Mexico’s government is actively breaking up large migrant caravans traveling north before President-elect Trump takes office.
Key Facts:
– Migrants have been dispersed to various parts of Mexico, including Acapulco.
– Officials use a strategy called “dispersion and exhaustion,” encouraging migrants to walk until they are too tired, then relocating them by bus.
– Many caravans started in Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border, hoping to reach the U.S. before the inauguration.
– Migrants report being abandoned in unsafe locations with minimal aid.
– President-elect Trump has vowed to impose high tariffs on Mexican goods if migration is not reduced.
The Rest of The Story:
The Mexican government’s tactic involves wearing out migrant groups by letting them walk for days, then busing them to different cities, far from the U.S. border.
Once a prized beach resort, Acapulco now faces crime challenges and still struggles with the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, yet it has become a drop-off site for these stranded travelers.
Many of the people moving north cite poverty and violence in their homelands as reasons for leaving.
Mexico, under mounting pressure, hopes that dispersing caravans will reduce the numbers that reach the U.S. border.
However, some migrants say they were promised travel permits but ended up with no way forward.
The Associated Press reported on stories of migrants sleeping in the streets, worried about being targeted by criminal groups.
President-elect Trump has threatened to crack down on illegal crossings and deport millions.
He also picked Governor Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and named Tom Homan as “Border Czar.” Mexico’s leaders appear focused on showing that they are cooperating so they can negotiate on more favorable terms with the new administration.
On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his plan to rename the Gulf of Mexico and impose tariffs if migration is not stopped.
He has often criticized Mexico’s government for what he calls an inadequate response to the surge in border crossings.
BREAKING: After pressure from President Trump, Mexico officials have broken up another migrant caravan that was rushing to get to the border before the inauguration
Officials tricked the migrants into going in the wrong direction & left them stranded.
“Immigration (officials)… pic.twitter.com/iY7zmM7kon
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 7, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Thousands of migrants are stuck in Mexico with dwindling resources and few options to reach the U.S. border.
Mexican authorities are taking drastic steps to reduce caravan sizes.
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President-elect Trump’s tough talk and policy promises have clearly put pressure on Mexico, ushering in new challenges for migrants, officials, and communities along the way.