Around 300 migrants, including several Cubans, are making their way through southern Mexico in a caravan seeking new opportunities without crossing into the United States. The group is traveling along the highways of Chiapas, aiming for Mexico City, determined to reshape their plans and find stability.
"We hope that most of us here will be embraced by Mexico and given the chance to become one with this country," said Andrés Hernández, a Cuban who arrived nearly a year ago with plans to enter the U.S. However, the immigration policies under Donald Trump forced him to reconsider. Hernández found himself stuck in Tapachula, where he has managed to survive with temporary jobs.
Walking alongside him is José Amaral, a migrant from Venezuela, who demands fair jobs and better wages. "There are people working for 150 pesos, 12 or 13 hours," he lamented. The harsh working conditions and lack of legal documentation have driven many migrants to rethink their destinations.
For months, dozens of migrants remained at the southern border, waiting to decide their next steps. Ultimately, they chose to move towards the country's center in an organized effort to manage their immigration status and obtain permits that would allow them to live and work legally in Mexico.
The caravan initially started under the guidance of Luis García Villagrán from the Centro de Dignificación Humana, but his arrest this week on charges related to human trafficking left the group without their usual leader. Despite this setback, the migrants pressed on.
In Mexico City, they hope the National Institute of Migration will address their cases. Among those marching is Zenaida Davío, a Cuban, hopeful for the chance to regularize her immigration status. "With God's favor, we will succeed," she asserted.
The caravan took a break on Thursday in Huixtla, more than a thousand kilometers from the Mexican capital. Before dawn, they will continue their journey, driven by the clear goal of establishing a new home, fully aware that the "American Dream" is no longer a reality.
FAQs on the Migrant Caravan in Mexico
What is the main goal of the migrant caravan traveling through Mexico?
The main goal of the migrant caravan is to find new opportunities and achieve stability in Mexico without crossing into the United States.
Why were the migrants unable to proceed to the United States?
The migrants were unable to proceed to the United States due to restrictive immigration policies implemented during Donald Trump's administration.
Who was leading the caravan and what happened to him?
The caravan was initially led by Luis García Villagrán from the Centro de Dignificación Humana, but he was detained on charges related to human trafficking, leaving the group without their leader.