Karoline Leavitt, former White House spokesperson and external advisor to President Donald Trump, issued a stark warning on Thursday. She emphasized that Trump would not allow the entry of a new migrant caravan moving through Mexico towards the United States. Leavitt also accused the Democrats of encouraging illegal immigration following their success in the midterm elections.
In a message posted on X, Leavitt stated, "Democrats win the midterms, and thousands of undocumented immigrants immediately form a caravan to enter the U.S. en masse."
Continuing her criticism of the Democratic Party, she remarked, "Open-border Democrats want to roll out the welcome mat! President Trump will stop this from happening!"
Having left her position as White House Press Secretary in August 2026, Leavitt responded to a Fox News report about a caravan of around 2,000 migrants, mostly from Central and South America, heading to the U.S. border following the Democrats' victory in the November 3 legislative elections.
The group departed last Tuesday from Tapachula, located in Mexico's Chiapas state, near the Guatemalan border.
According to Reuters, a local government source estimated the caravan to be about 1,500 people, with many families included. EFE reported the number to be around 2,000.
Several caravan members expressed hope that the Democratic victory might lead to more favorable U.S. immigration policies.
However, the election results have not resulted in a border reopening or immediate changes to entry restrictions.
Leavitt's warning came amid a new threat from Trump directed at Mexico. On Thursday, the president announced he would double tariffs on Mexican goods unless their government halts the migrant caravans.
"Mexico must stop them, now, or tariffs on Mexico will be doubled immediately," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The U.S. president described the migrant flow as a "new invasion," linking it to perceptions of Republican losses in the midterms.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican president, responded to Trump's warnings by stating that no migrant caravans had reached Mexico's northern border since January 2025, when Trump returned to the White House.
Sheinbaum noted that a group of approximately 600 migrants traveling through Chiapas largely dispersed upon learning about the challenges of entering the United States.
She also mentioned that Mexican authorities were in talks with another group of Honduran citizens to encourage their return home.
The president ruled out using force to break up the caravans and praised the efforts of Mexican authorities in educating migrants about existing restrictions.
On Wednesday, a day before Leavitt's comments, Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, had warned that the Democratic win would not alter the Republican administration's border security measures.
"Congress may be bluer, but the White House is a deep red," Homan declared during a Fox News interview, referring to the parties' colors.
He assured that migrants attempting to enter illegally would not be released within the United States. Instead, they could face deportation or legal proceedings.
The election results have also stirred hopes among stranded Cuban migrants in Mexico. Immigration attorney Irene Pascual recently assessed the prospects for policy changes, cautioning that the Democratic victory does not imply an open border or an end to deportations.
Cuban presence in caravans traversing Mexico has been notable recently. On October 21, a group including island citizens departed from Tapachula aiming to continue northward.
Some participants hoped that a Democratic Party victory would enhance their chances of seeking asylum in the United States.
As the situation at the border and the progress of migrant caravans continue to unfold, stay informed with the latest updates in our U.S. Immigration section.
Key Questions about the Migrant Caravan and U.S. Immigration
What actions has Trump proposed against Mexico regarding the migrant caravan?
Trump has threatened to double tariffs on Mexican goods unless Mexico stops the migrant caravans from advancing towards the U.S. border.
How has the Democratic victory in the midterm elections impacted U.S. immigration policies?
Despite the Democratic win, there have been no immediate changes to U.S. immigration policies or border restrictions.
What has been the response from Mexican authorities to the migrant caravan situation?
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that no caravans reached the northern border since 2025 and highlighted efforts to inform migrants about entry restrictions.