Migrant caravan sets out from southern Mexico bound for US after midterms

The caravan, named "God With Us," set off from Tapachula near the Guatemalan border on Tuesday, aiming to reach Mexico City first before continuing north to the US border. Chiapas state government officials estimated approximately 1,500 people were participating, including many families with children.

Political motivation

Many migrants expressed hope following the Democrats' victory in congressional elections, which resulted in Republicans losing control of both the House and Senate. The election was seen as a rebuke of President Trump's immigration policies.

Trump's response

President Trump has warned Mexico that it must stop the migrant caravan or face a doubling of tariffs. He claimed that a "perceived loss" by his Republican Party had emboldened the migrants and put incoming Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa on notice about the issue.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Huge CARAVANS are forming and beginning their illegal march through Mexico. Many of the people in these Caravans are those that various countries don't want."

Mexican authorities react

On Tuesday, Mexico's National Guard, immigration authorities and police in Chiapas blocked a separate group of about 100 Central American migrants who had crossed the Suchiate River from Guatemala. About 40 were detained in the operation.

This marks the third caravan attempting to reach the US since September, with the other two being broken up before leaving Chiapas. Members of those groups were given temporary stay permits. "As long as Trump remains president, the deportations will not stop," said Ivan Porraz, a researcher at the College of the Southern Border.