Venezuelan migrants face a blockade by the authorities

The caravan of more than 1,500 migrants, most of them Venezuelans, that left this week from the southern border of Mexico, faces a blockade this Tuesday by the Mexican authorities, which prevents their departure from the state of Chiapas, bordering Central America.

In a context marked by pressure from the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, for Mexico to control the migratory flow, The group began its journey from the municipality of Huixtla at 5:00 am (11:00 GMT). They advanced slowly, some on bicycles and tricycles, while they were escorted by the National Guard and municipal police.

The migrants told Efe that agents from the National Migration Institute (INM) have watched them since their arrival in Huixtla and chase them along the road. They even tried to arrest a family this Tuesday, pBut the action was prevented by the members of the caravan themselves.

Many of the migrants ask for empathy from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who recently assured Trump that the caravans “are no longer coming.” to the border with the United States. However, the elected president has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican products if what he calls an “invasion” of migrants and drugs is not stopped.

Genaro Cárdenas, a Venezuelan migrant who travels by bicycle with his compatriots, expressed that they seek to reach Mexico City, where there are more job opportunities and they can wait for their “CBP One” appointment to request asylum in the United States. According to Cárdenas, returning to the southern border would be dangerous. “We fear that they will dismantle us and return us to Tapachula, but we will continue forward,” he stated.

Migrants from Mexico

The Mexican government maintains a migration strategy focused on the development of the south of the country and affirms that migrant encounters on the northern border have decreased 75% since December 2023. However, migrants like Venezuelan Bryan Joan criticize the lack of support and denounce poor conditions in Tapachula, where many are held at the Siglo XXI immigration station.

In addition to complaints about immigration policies, organizations such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Comprehensive Family System (DIF) are caring for migrants, offering cures and medical help to those who They present wounds, blisters and dehydration after long days of walking.

Salvadoran Fabiola Flores pointed out that during the journey along the Huixtla-Villa Comaltitlán highway, many migrants suffered injuries, but she clarified that the caravan is advancing in peace. «We do not want public disorder, “just get to our destination and rest, even if the authorities try to intimidate us,” express.

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