Mexican immigration authorities have broken up two small migrant caravans heading towards the U.S. border, offering some migrants bus rides to various cities in southern and central Mexico. This action comes after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican products if the country did not do more to stop unauthorized migration to the U.S. border. There are speculations about an agreement between the presidents of Mexico and the United States regarding the handling of migrants and caravans.
The first caravan of about 2,500 people started its journey on November 5 and traveled about 270 miles to Tehuantepec in Oaxaca before being offered bus rides to different cities. The second caravan, consisting of approximately 1,500 migrants, made it to Tonala in Chiapas state, where transit visas allowing travel across Mexico for 20 days were provided. Mexican authorities claim that the migrants voluntarily accepted bus rides to areas with medical assistance and where their migratory status would be reviewed.
While Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed confidence in averting a tariff war with the United States, it remains unclear what agreements have been made in response to Trump’s threats. Migrant caravans have historically faced challenges in reaching the U.S. border due to interventions by Mexican authorities, with most individuals being either blocked, harassed, or returned to border areas near Guatemala. For more information on migration coverage, visit the AP News website.
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