The “largest human movement” in the nation is currently taking place in Mexico, as thousands of migrants band together in a caravan on their journey to the United States. This massive movement is a direct response to the migrant embargo imposed by Mexican authorities, which restricts the entry of migrants to the northern border of the country. The migrants, who have been living in extreme poverty in Tapachula for months, have decided to embark on this arduous journey in search of a better life.
The caravan began its journey from Tapachula, a city located 1,150 km south of the capital and adjacent to the Guatemalan border. On Sunday, April 24, approximately 10,000 individuals, hailing from various countries including Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, set off on their long trek to the United States. Among the group are also individuals from Iran, Pakistan, India, Syria, China, Bangladesh, and several African nations.
The decision to join the caravan stems from the dire situation faced by these vulnerable individuals in Tapachula. With limited assistance from the National Migration Institute, many have been left to fend for themselves for seven to eight months. The lack of support has led them to take matters into their own hands and embark on this challenging journey. As more migrants joined the caravan, the number of individuals surged, ultimately surpassing 14,000.
The magnitude of this movement is staggering. It is believed to be the largest mass movement of humans walking together, with people from various backgrounds and nationalities united by a common goal. The sight of thousands of people and children walking along the highways of southeast Mexico is unprecedented. The journey is grueling, with migrants walking for ten to twelve hours a day under the scorching sun of the Chiapas coast.
This mass migration highlights the failures of the Mexican government in providing adequate support and protection to its citizens. Criminal organizations, particularly drug cartels, hold a significant degree of control over foreign nationals. The government’s temporary ban on permits to enter Mexico only exacerbates the situation, forcing migrants to rely on coyotes and human traffickers to flee the country. This puts the lives of countless women and children at risk. Walking for hours each day is seen as a safer alternative compared to the perils they face under the control of criminal organizations.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has acknowledged the increased migration in recent months. According to American border police, more than 10,000 individuals attempt to enter the United States every day, surpassing the numbers of previous weeks. This escalation in migration further underscores the desperation and determination of these individuals to seek a better life for themselves and their families.
As the caravan progresses on its long and challenging journey, a significant influx is expected in Mexico City, which is a pivotal milestone before reaching the United States. The NGO director accompanying the refugees estimates that a contingent of 16,000 people will flee Chiapas. This ongoing migration is a testament to the dire circumstances faced by migrants and their unwavering hope for a brighter future.
In conclusion, the caravan of migrants making its way through Mexico to the United States is an unprecedented movement of thousands of vulnerable individuals seeking a better life. The journey is marked by perseverance, as migrants endure extreme conditions and distance in their quest for a brighter future. The lack of support from the Mexican government and the control exerted by criminal organizations further compound the challenges faced by these individuals. Nevertheless, they march on, united in their determination to create a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
