The Associated Press reported the formation of a new caravan made up of about 1,500 migrants in southern Mexico, mainly from Central and South America. These migrants, many of whom are in the city of Tapachula near the Guatemalan border, hope to reach the United States before Donald Trump takes office, fearing that immigration policies will become even more restrictive.

Tapachula acts as a kind of "limbo" for migrants, according to the article, as they are not allowed to advance into Mexican territory, aggravating their situation of vulnerability. In this context, caravans emerge as a desperate alternative for those who cannot afford smugglers, as traveling in large groups offers greater protection against arrest by Mexican authorities. However, these caravans do not guarantee security from the dangers posed by drug cartels, which exploit migrants through extortion, kidnapping, and charges to cross territories under their control.

In addition to the threats of violence, migrants face significant physical challenges, such as extreme heat, lack of water, and long distances. The shortest route to the U.S. border, which connects Tapachula to Matamoros, covers more than 1,780 kilometers, making the crossing especially difficult for families with children. Many are desperate to get out of Tapachula due to a lack of jobs and poor conditions, believing that the proximity to Trump's inauguration increases the urgency to reach the US.

The publication also mentions the use of the CBP One app, introduced by the Biden administration to organize asylum applications and reduce border crowding. Now available in southern Mexico, the app offers about 1,450 daily appointments, but many migrants prefer to approach the border, fearing they will miss their appointment if they are selected. However, Trump has promised to eliminate this system and further restrict legal pathways to entry into the US. The caravans, which began to gain momentum in 2018, once enjoyed limited support from the Mexican government, such as buses for transport, but are currently facing increased resistance, with authorities discouraging any form of aid. Alternatively, temporary transit permits have been used to disperse groups, but this does not solve the obstacles faced by migrants in search of safety and better living conditions.