Over 600 migrants are heading north through Mexico in a caravan aiming for the U.S. border. This journey started in Honduras, coinciding with the Trump administration’s intensified measures to suppress migration ahead of upcoming mid-term elections.
The caravan began on September 20 with 200 to 400 Honduran migrants departing from San Pedro Sula in small groups, heading toward Guatemala’s border. By September 28, it had grown to over 600 migrants, traveling from Tapachula in southern Mexico toward the northern border with the U.S. The group now includes people from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Haiti.
President Donald Trump’s administration has launched extensive initiatives to control illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, deploying military personnel and National Guard to aid border operations, limiting asylum access, and implementing a strict policy of detaining and deporting migrants who illegally cross the border.
U.S. Border Patrol recorded 8,870 apprehensions along the southwest border in August 2026, marking a 94% decrease from the monthly average during the Biden administration.
The Department of Homeland Security noted that Border Patrol did not release any migrants into the country in August, marking a continuation of zero releases for 16 consecutive months.
Access to asylum at the southern border has been severely restricted. Trump issued a proclamation on his first day back in office aiming to block migrants from claiming asylum under the order. However, this policy has been subjected to ongoing legal disputes.
The caravan remains far from the U.S. border, and it’s uncertain how many will attempt to enter the country. Mexican authorities often intercept and disperse caravans, either by detaining migrants or relocating them within Mexico.
Migrants interviewed expressed economic hardship as a driving force for leaving Honduras. One woman with two children noted the lack of jobs, while another migrant acknowledged the difficulty but remained dedicated to trying.
Despite the challenges, Honduran nationals benefit from the CA-4 regional agreement, allowing entry into Guatemala without a visa. However, Mexico typically requires a visa for Honduran nationals, subject to specific exceptions.
The caravan’s composition has evolved, with initial travelers joined by others already in southern Mexico. U.S. authorities advise against illegal entry, enforcing strict consequences, including deportation.
Political reactions have surfaced in the U.S. as Republicans use the caravan to spotlight border security and immigration issues. With midterms approaching, the conversation around the caravan stirs debate among politicians, reflecting differing views on migration policies.
José Zelaya, a Honduran migrant, detailed his journey with family, driven by a desire to provide financial aid to those left in Honduras. He emphasized the absence of leadership in the caravan, citing “hunger” and “necessity” as motivators.