A new migrant caravan has departed from Tapachula, Chiapas, near the Guatemalan border, aiming to reach the United States before Donald Trump takes office on January 20, 2025.

This group of over 2,000 people includes migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Central American countries.

The caravan members gathered at Tapachula’s Bicentennial Park to begin their journey toward Mexico City, hoping to advance northward by December 18, International Migrants Day. Organizers believe this symbolic date may encourage U.S. authorities to allow entry into the country.

Trump’s presidential campaign emphasized tough measures against irregular migration, including threats of a 25% tariff on Mexican exports unless Mexico curbs the migrant flow. This has heightened the urgency among migrants, who fear stricter policies under the upcoming administration.

Rise in Migrants from Unusual Regions

Civil organizations have reported a significant increase in migrants from regions such as Russia, Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East. According to EFE, irregular migration from Asia rose by 78.42% between January and August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Meanwhile, Mexican authorities have ramped up efforts to disperse caravans. Recently, a group of 1,500 migrants was broken up in Tonalá, Chiapas, by the National Institute of Migration (INM), which offered some a 20-day transit visa to travel within the country.

Mexico’s Role in Migrant Caravan Management

Activists like Luis García Villagrán suggest these actions may stem from an agreement between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Trump, who recently claimed that Mexico had agreed to curb unauthorized migration.

Despite these measures, migrants remain determined to reach the U.S. border. While few migrant caravans complete the journey intact, many individuals continue independently, facing challenges such as harassment from authorities and the inherent dangers of migratory routes.