Hundreds of Migrants Embark on Foot Journey from Mexico's Southern Border Amid Concerns Over U.S. Border Policies

A Massive Exodus Begins

On Sunday, a significant exodus of migrants, numbering in the hundreds and hailing from around a dozen different countries, commenced a formidable journey on foot from Mexico's southern border. This large-scale migration is propelled by the urgency to reach the U.S. border before the impending November elections. Many of these migrants are motivated by fears that a potential re-election of former President Donald Trump could lead to the enactment of his campaign promise to close the U.S. border to asylum-seekers, thereby jeopardizing their chances of obtaining entry into the United States.

Motivations and Concerns

Among the migrants is Miguel Salazar, a 37-year-old from El Salvador, who has voiced significant concerns regarding the potential blocking of border permits if Trump were to return to office. Salazar expressed apprehension that a new Trump administration might cease the issuance of appointments through CBP One, a digital platform crucial for asylum-seekers to schedule legal entry into the U.S. This app allows migrants to book appointments at U.S. border posts where they can present their cases to immigration officials. However, its functionality is limited to those who reach Mexico City or northern Mexican states, thereby increasing the difficulty for those situated further south.

Salazar’s remarks underline the precarious situation faced by many migrants who depend on this technology for facilitating their entry process. “Everyone wants to use that route,” he noted, reflecting the high demand for CBP One appointments among those undertaking the arduous journey northward.

The Journey from Ciudad Hidalgo

The migrant group set out from Ciudad Hidalgo, a southern Mexican town situated adjacent to the river that delineates the border between Mexico and Guatemala. This departure point is strategically significant as it marks the beginning of a challenging and perilous journey through Mexico. Some migrants reported having waited in Ciudad Hidalgo for several weeks, seeking necessary permits to continue their journey north. Their extended wait highlights the bureaucratic obstacles and delays that exacerbate the difficulties faced by individuals in pursuit of improved opportunities.

Challenges and Risks

Historically, large groups of migrants have organized convoys or caravans to mitigate the risks of violence from gangs and to avoid detection by Mexican immigration officials. Despite these efforts, caravans frequently disband in southern Mexico due to the physical and emotional toll of long-distance walking. Recent policy changes have further complicated the migrants' journey. Mexican authorities have increasingly restricted access to transportation options such as buses and trains, which were once vital for migrants traveling northward.

Currently, travel permits for migrants entering Mexico without visas are seldom granted, leading to widespread detentions by immigration officers at checkpoints in central and northern Mexico. Thousands of migrants have been apprehended and subsequently bussed back to southern Mexico, intensifying their challenges and prolonging their struggle.

Personal Stories and Criticisms

Oswaldo Reyna, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant, is among those who joined the caravan in Ciudad Hidalgo after crossing from Guatemala into Mexico 45 days ago. Reyna expressed frustration with former President Trump’s rhetoric characterizing migrants as an "invasion," emphasizing the hardship faced by individuals in his position. “We are not delinquents,” Reyna asserted. “We are hard-working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs.”

Reyna’s statement reflects the broader sentiment among many migrants, who view their migration as a desperate bid to escape severe conditions in their home countries and seek a better life.

Conclusion

The mass departure of migrants from Mexico’s southern border highlights the heightened sense of urgency and desperation among those seeking asylum in the U.S. The journey is fraught with numerous challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles, physical exhaustion, and concerns over future U.S. immigration policies. As these migrants continue their arduous trek northward, their stories and struggles underscore the complex dynamics of migration and the profound impact of political decisions on their lives.