As fears grow over stricter immigration policies in the United States, thousands of migrants are making desperate efforts to reach the U.S.-Mexico border.
Donald Trump’s return to power has sparked urgency among those seeking asylum, as he promises to implement the toughest measures yet against undocumented migration.
A new caravan has formed, with migrants hoping to cross the border before Trump’s inauguration, according to Digi24.
Around 1,500 migrants departed from Tapachula in southern Mexico, near the Guatemalan border, aiming to reach the United States.
Trump Wants to Use Military
Many are trying to secure asylum appointments using the "CBP One" app before Trump assumes office. Yamel Enriquez, a migrant from Colombia, explained his urgency.
"My idea is to arrive and secure an appointment before he takes power," he said. "If I can’t get this appointment before he takes over, I leave it in God’s hands."
Donald Trump has pledged to use the military to enforce what he calls "the largest deportation operation in U.S. history."
He has described the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border as an "invasion" and has vowed to stop it.
Zuleika Carreno, a Venezuelan migrant, shared her fears about being stranded in Mexico if she cannot cross the border in time.
"I’m scared I’ll be stuck on this side of the border, and everything I’ve been through to get here will have been for nothing," she said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her government is preparing a document to present to Trump.
It emphasizes the contributions of Mexicans to the U.S. economy and stresses the importance of maintaining the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
Trump has previously threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican exports if the Mexican government fails to curb the flow of "criminals and drugs" into the United States.
For years, migrants have formed caravans to request transit documents from Mexican authorities.
These groups became widely known in 2018 during Trump’s first term as president. Now, with his return on the horizon, migrants see this as their last chance to seek a new life in the United States.
