Migrant Caravan Demands Transit Visas as Thousands Block Mexican Highway
Thousands of migrants from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti have taken to the streets of Mexico to demand transit or exit visas in order to reach the United States border. On Wednesday, approximately 3,000 migrants blocked traffic on one of Mexico’s main southern highways, causing a major disruption. The caravan, consisting of men, women, and children, began their journey on foot from the city of Tapachula on October 30, with the intention of heading north towards the US.
Upon reaching Huixtla, a town in the state of Chiapas, the migrants halted their march and attempted to obtain temporary travel documents to cross Mexico. Frustrated by the lack of progress, they decided to block the highway inspection booths outside Huixtla in a bid to draw attention to their demands. Activist Irineo Mújica, one of the organizers of the march, stated that the blockade would continue as the migrants feared becoming victims of criminals, smugglers, and extortionists if they continued walking. Many migrants expressed their desire to travel by bus but were unable to do so without proper documentation.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to Mexicans, Irineo Mújica issued an apology and emphasized the dangers the migrants faced at the hands of drug cartels. Honduran migrant Herson Fernández, who was accompanied by his wife and three children, tearfully explained that they had run out of money and were desperately seeking answers and documents to continue their journey. Their ultimate goal was to reach the United States, where they believed a better future awaited them.
However, the Mexican government’s Refugee Aid Commission clarified that it does not issue transit visas. The current migrant caravan, although significant, pales in comparison to the larger caravans that captured global attention in 2018 and 2019. With the recent arrival of up to 10,000 migrants at the US border in the past few weeks, this October 30 march is now just a small fraction of the overall influx.
Prioritizing the safety of the migrants, Mexico has employed the strategy of waiting for the marchers to tire out before offering them transportation back to their home countries or to alternative processing centers. The US border region has struggled to manage the increasing number of migrants from South America, who swiftly make their way through the treacherous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama before embarking on the journey north. Panamanian figures show that by September alone, 420,000 migrants, aided by Colombian smugglers, had successfully navigated this challenging route.
The plight of these migrants highlights the complexities and challenges of immigration within the region. A delicate balance must be struck between offering assistance and ensuring the safety and security of all involved. As the world watches, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what measures will be taken to address the concerns and needs of these displaced individuals and families.
