This week, a large group of Mexicans took to the streets of Mexico City, calling for the immediate expulsion of undocumented Cuban and Central American migrants who are part of a caravan making its way from Tapachula. The aim of the caravan is to regularize their immigration status and gain access to job opportunities. In a widely circulated video on social media, chants such as "Get out of here, this is not your country!" and "Deported! Deported!" can be heard.
The protesters argue that the presence of migrants poses a "social security" issue and is a burden on local communities already struggling with poverty. "This country belongs to every Mexican living here. You have no right to be here. You don't. Leave the country. This isn't about discrimination; it's about social security," shouted one demonstrator. Others were more aggressive, stating, "We don't need more people. Go back to your countries. Or jump the fence. Let's see what happens if President Trump catches you on the other side."
Meanwhile, the National Institute of Migration (INM) and the National Guard have ramped up raids in Pijijiapan, Chiapas, where migrants have reportedly been detained violently, according to organizations like Pueblos Sin Fronteras. "Migrants were treated worse than criminals," declared Irineo Mujica, director of the group, describing the operations as a "manhunt." In some incidents, women and children were cornered, and clashes occurred where migrants threw stones to prevent arrests.
The caravan, which consists of over 1,000 individuals from Cuba, Venezuela, Honduras, Haiti, and other countries, departed from Tapachula on October 1 with the goal of reaching Mexico City to urge authorities for residency or asylum permits. Many of the migrants have stated that they do not intend to reach the United States but wish to remain in Mexico legally. They have accused the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (Comar) and the INM of corruption, as well as arbitrary delays and denials in processing their applications.
This reaction from some Mexican citizens has been alarming for the migrants. However, online commentators have pointed out the irony of Mexicans complaining about their own relatives being pursued and deported in the United States. "Then they get offended when Americans do the same to them," one commenter noted on an Instagram post of the video.
"We don't want anything for free, just the chance to move forward as human beings," stated a Cuban migrant before embarking on the march from Tapachula.
Key Issues Surrounding Migrant Deportations in Mexico
Why are Mexicans protesting against Cuban migrants?
The protestors claim that the presence of Cuban and other Central American migrants poses a social security threat and burdens local communities already affected by poverty.
What actions have Mexican authorities taken against the caravan?
The National Institute of Migration and the National Guard have increased raids in areas like Pijijiapan, Chiapas, where migrants have been detained, often violently, according to advocacy groups.
What is the goal of the migrant caravan?
The caravan aims to reach Mexico City to pressure authorities for residency or asylum permits, seeking to regularize their status and access job opportunities in Mexico.
How have online users reacted to the protests?
Some online users have criticized the protests, pointing out the hypocrisy of Mexicans complaining about their relatives being deported from the United States.