A caravan of approximately 350 migrants is moving through the eastern area of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in Mexico. These migrants entered the state of Oaxaca after departing from Tapachula, Chiapas, on January 24 in an initial group of 1,500 people. News about the intensification of immigration policies at the Mexico-United States border keeps this group in a state of uncertainty, although they continue to hold on to hope of finding work in U.S. territory.
Esmeralda Castaneda, a Salvadoran migrant, expressed to EFE her patient and calm attitude towards the situation: 'I go step by step, calmly because I know this will pass, we are waiting for the 'tide to lower', we are waiting in God for everything to pass and we go with patience, we are not in a hurry.'
After walking 25 kilometers from Tapanatepec under temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, the group arrived at the municipality of Zanatepec, Oaxaca, where local authorities provided them with land to rest for a night. Despite the difficulties, they continue their journey north aiming to reach the U.S. border.
In this open space, they have been given an improvised roof to protect themselves from the intense sun. Maritza Escobar, a mother who left her three children in El Salvador, recounted the adversities faced by migrants along the way, highlighting the lack of support from authorities and the uncertainty they find themselves in.
The caravan in Zanatepec received support with purified water and basic food, as well as the option to return to their home countries for those who decide not to continue. Since Trump took office, this is the smallest group advancing along the trans-isthmus highway compared to previous caravans.
Following an agreement between the Mexican Government and Trump to pause the imposition of tariffs on Mexican products, the group of migrants continues on their way with uncertainty and latent fear. The measures taken aim to combat drug trafficking and regulate migration, adding a new level of concern for the migrant community at the Mexico-United States border.
