A migrant caravan of more than 1,000 people is heading toward the US border from southern Mexico, amid renewed hopes of entering the US following the Democrats’ midterm win.
Donald Trump Threatens Tariff Increase on Mexico
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that he would double tariffs on Mexican goods if authorities fail to stop the travelers.
“MEXICO MUST STOP THEM, NOW, and if they do not do so, the Tariffs on Mexico will be IMMEDIATELY DOUBLED,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, adding that there would be no leniency.
Trump stated in his post that with the perceived loss by Republicans in the midterms, an invasion of the country was taking place again as huge caravans formed and began their illegal march through Mexico. The White House has previously imposed national security tariffs of 25 percent on Mexican-made automobiles and 50 percent rates on steel and aluminum products from south of the border, duties that were also applied to Canada.
The tariff threat followed remarks by Tom Homan, who told Fox News that Mexico needs to deploy troops to its southern and northern borders to stop migrant caravans. Homan asserted on the network that migrants were advancing through the country without transit visas—a mechanism not provided for under Mexican legislation—and Trump subsequently replicated those statements on his social media accounts. U.S.
Our mission at the Department of Homeland Security is to protect our homeland. That begins at our borders. We will utilize all assets to make sure our borders are secure. This illegal migrant caravan will NOT be allowed to enter our country. Full stop. https://t.co/sSiAdwE5Ob
Migrants Arrive in Tapachula from Guatemala
The group, carrying religious messages and banners reading “caravana centroamericana”, set off from the southern city of Tapachula near the Guatemala border.
The migration news agency Reuters reported that the group arrived on a Sunday night at Tapachula, located about 35 kilometers from the border line, without encountering resistance. Mexico’s National Migration Institute told Reuters that a group of approximately 870 people had gathered in the city of Huixtla, situated about 60 kilometers west of the southern border with Guatemala.
Mexico is committed to orderly migration, with dignity for migrants. As President Sheinbaum said today, no migrant caravan has reached Mexico's northern border. Mexico makes clear to migrants that there is no path into the United States and offers them a safe return home. The… pic.twitter.com/3w58C9ncsr
Two local sources and a non-governmental organization estimated the size of the gathering at 1,500 to 2,000 people, which would make this the largest migrant caravan so far this year. Reuters said that the journey to the capital would likely take at least several weeks, with participants carrying water amid the hot temperatures typical of southern Mexico.
Participants said the Democratic Party’s gains in the U.S. midterms inspired fresh hopes for entry. César Sandoval, a 47-year-old Nicaraguan, told AFP that he hoped to have another chance to enter the United States, pointing out his belief that the relatives of Hispanics and Latinos were the ones who cast ballots to send politicians to the Senate and Congress.
Migrants mostly from Central America expressed optimism that the political shift could open pathways for them to live and work in the United States.
“Maybe they could help us cross over and find a better job for our families here in our countries,” Misael Vázquez, a 25-year-old Hondureño, told reporters.
Another participant, 38-year-old Cristian, said God is coming with us on this journey.
Mexican Government Responds to U.S. Demands
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that no migrant caravan is currently in transit toward the northern border.
During a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Sheinbaum avoided confrontation when questioned about Homan’s declarations, stating she did not wish to enter into a debate with Trump or other officials regarding their communications with the American public.
Sheinbaum detailed that two contingents had been monitored recently: one had already dissolved with the majority returning to their countries of origin, while another was just forming. She emphasized that the group in formation receives the same attention and information as previous caravans, which have not managed to pass north of Oaxaca, with the vast majority remaining in Chiapas after being informed that U.S. immigration rules prevent them from entering.
According to government officials, Mexico is committed to orderly migration with dignity, informing individuals that there is no path into the United States and offering safe returns home, which the great majority choose to accept.
