Thousands of Migrants Set Off from Southern Mexico Toward U.S. Border Ahead of Election

A caravan of up to 2,500 migrants is making its way from southern Mexico to the U.S. border, as concerns grow over rising numbers of “Special Interest Aliens” and unaccompanied children crossing into Texas.

At a glance:

  • A large group of migrants, up to 2,500 strong, departed from Tapachula, Chiapas, aiming to reach the U.S. border before the upcoming election.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing to process this new influx, with challenges in returning individuals from “Special Interest” countries.
  • The number of large migrant groups crossing the border, particularly into Texas, has been increasing as Election Day nears.

A new caravan of up to 2,500 migrants departed from Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, on October 20. According to social media reports, the group is hoping to reach the U.S.-Mexico border before the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5. This is the third and largest migrant caravan to set out from southern Mexico since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office, though Mexico’s immigration policies have remained unchanged under her administration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT-YOZQRPr8

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is aware of the mass migration and is preparing for a possible influx at the U.S. border. News Nation’s Ali Bradley reported that CBP will rely on Title 8 immigration law to handle migrants who cross illegally, but noted the difficulty in deporting those from “Special Interest” countries such as Iran, Egypt, and Turkey. These individuals, along with unaccompanied minors, are often released into the U.S. while their asylum cases are processed.

The situation at the U.S. border has become increasingly tense in recent weeks. In the Del Rio Sector of Texas, Border Patrol agents have been encountering large migrant groups, including unaccompanied children and migrants from various nations. In just one week, nearly 160 unaccompanied children crossed into Eagle Pass, Texas, alone. With Election Day fast approaching, CBP anticipates that the number of migrant crossings will continue to rise.