
As Donald Trump retakes office, a new migrant caravan of 2,000 people embarks on a perilous journey from southern Mexico to the U.S. border, defying tightened immigration policies.
At a Glance
- A 2,000-strong migrant caravan left Tapachula, Mexico on Trump’s Inauguration Day
- Trump’s immigration crackdown includes mass deportations and asylum restrictions
- The CBP One app for asylum appointments has been terminated
- Military forces have been deployed to the southern border
- Polls show growing American opposition to both illegal and legal immigration
New Caravan Challenges Trump’s Border Policies
As Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th U.S. president, a caravan of approximately 2,000 migrants began their journey from Tapachula, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border. This group, consisting of men, women, and children, is determined to reach the United States despite the renewed stringent immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration.
The caravan’s timing is not coincidental. It marks the tenth large migrant group to depart from Tapachula since the U.S. election, reflecting growing concerns about the future of immigration under Trump’s presidency. While these caravans represent only a fraction of the overall migration flow, they symbolize the desperation and hope of those seeking a better life in America.
— Federation for American Immigration Reform (@FAIRImmigration) October 29, 2024
President Trump wasted no time in fulfilling his campaign promises on immigration. On his first day in office, he shut down the CBP One app, which previously allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. border ports. This move has left many migrants in limbo, unsure of how to proceed with their asylum claims.
“We’re in a hurry to get to the border quickly, before everything changes,” Juan Gregorio Campo Mesas of Venezuela told U.S. news outlets.
The administration has also issued executive orders to end birthright citizenship and label Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. These actions, coupled with the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, signal a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy
Despite the increasingly hostile environment, many migrants remain determined to reach the United States – and they’re headed towards us right now. However, some are considering alternative options. Olindo Colmenares, a Venezuelan migrant, shared his thoughts on the situation:
“The best thing for our family is to go at least to Mexico City, where there are more employment opportunities, and you can actually settle here in Mexico while you wait for the new processes that may come from this new U.S. government,” Olindo Colmenares said.
The journey north is fraught with dangers and challenges. Migrants face exhausting weather conditions, long distances, and the constant threat of being detained or deported by Mexican authorities. Many rely on the kindness of local residents in Chiapas, who offer clothes, snacks, and water to those in need.
As the caravan makes its way north, public opinion in the United States appears to be shifting against immigration. Recent polls indicate growing opposition to both illegal and legal immigration, with a majority of Americans supporting the deportation of all illegal immigrants. This sentiment is likely to bolster the Trump administration’s hardline approach to border security and immigration reform.
People know Trump was right all along on this.