According to a report by Reuters, thousands of migrants arrived on Sunday in the southern Mexican town Alvaro Obregon to spend Christmas Eve in a public square without shelter before continuing their journey north to the border with the United States. The group of mostly Central American and Caribbean migrants had walked approximately 15 kilometers from the southern border city Tapachula to get to Alvaro Obregon, and they planned to set off again around 4 a.m. the next day
Migrant rights activist Luis Garcia Villagran expressed concern that migrants might become political pawns in the upcoming presidential election in the United States, where the migrants were heading. He emphasized, “We won’t be stopped, we’ll keep walking.”
Local authorities estimated the size of the caravan to average about 8,000 people per day. A Reuters witness travelgin with the group said most migrants were from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. One of the migrants, Haitian Ysguel Jean, was carrying a white cross with “Christ” painted in red letters. He had left his home country because of crime and corruption, and because he wanted to provide for his two daughters. He expressed frustration with the lengthy process of obtaining papers in Tapachula and said, “I’m tired of waiting around in Tapachula, being hungry, and unable to earn a living.”
Many migrants, including Jean, said they were aiming to reach the United States. In the past, large caravans primarily made up of Central Americans have crossed Mexico to reach the United States. These were followed by smaller groups in recent years. Last year, record numbers of migrants attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.
Overall, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges and complex circumstances faced by migrants from different parts of the world who are seeking better opportunities and a safer environment
It’s clear that the issue of migration remains a pressing and multi-faceted issue that requires careful consideration and a comprehensive approach from all involved parties.
(Reporting by Jose Torres in Tapachula; Editing by Stefanie Eschenbacher and Nick Zieminski)
