World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Migrant caravan heads north through Mexico after US election
A migrant caravan set out from Tapachula in southern Mexico, near the Guatemalan border, heading north after Democrats won control of the US Congress.
Estimates of the group’s size differ, ranging from about 1,500 to nearly 2,000 people, many from Central America.
The election result has raised hopes that the United States may offer more ways to live and work there, but a quick policy change is not expected.
Many migrants are stranded in Tapachula amid limited access to jobs, health care and schools, and some say they have faced violence or fear being sent home.
The group hopes to reach Mexico City to seek help from the Mexican government and protection while traveling, a journey expected to take several weeks.
The migrants are asking Mexico to let them travel safely as they continue toward the north.
A migrant caravan of about 1,500 to 2,000 people set out from Tapachula in southern Mexico, hoping to travel north after US midterm election results raised expectations of more welcoming immigration policies.
The group includes migrants from Central American countries, many traveling with families.
The migrants are seeking to reach Mexico City for assistance and hope to continue toward the United States.
Some members say they want asylum or permission to travel through Mexico without detention.
Analysts and an activist said a change in US immigration policy is unlikely in the near term.
- Who
- Migrants from Central America, including people from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
- What
- A caravan set out from Tapachula and is walking north through Mexico. Members hope to reach the United States or find support and work in Mexico.
- When
- It departed Tapachula on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and was walking north on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
- Where
- The caravan began in Tapachula, Chiapas, near Mexico’s border with Guatemala. Its members initially aim to reach Mexico City.
- Why
- Migrants say the US midterm election results raised hopes of more welcoming policies. Some also seek safety, asylum or permission to travel through Mexico.
Migrants hopeful for change
Analysts and migration advocate skeptical of change
US policy outlook
Migrants hopeful for change
Migrants hope the Democrats’ electoral gains could open pathways to enter and work in the United States.
Analysts and migration advocate skeptical of change
Analysts said changes to US immigration policy are unlikely to come quickly; an advocate said he did not expect much to change.
Caravan’s journey
Migrants hopeful for change
Migrants are walking north to seek help, protection or a chance to reach the United States.
Analysts and migration advocate skeptical of change
Researcher Ivan Porraz warned that deportations would continue while Donald Trump remained president and that smugglers could exploit migrants.
Democrats won control of the US Congress in the midterm elections, raising migrants’ hopes of a shift in immigration policy.
According to El Financiero, the caravan left San Pedro Sula in Honduras.
The group began its journey north from Tapachula, Chiapas.
More than a thousand migrants were walking north through southern Mexico.
- Caravan size
- About 1,500 people, according to a Chiapas state government source cited by Straits Times; El Financiero reported close to 2,000.
- Starting point
- Tapachula, Chiapas, southern Mexico
- Initial destination
- Mexico City, more than 1,000 km (621 miles) away
- Countries of origin
- Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua
- Journey estimate
- At least several weeks to reach Mexico City, according to Straits Times
3 sources
What people are saying
There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, a way for us to get in
I don’t think much will change, but it did help people feel encouraged to set out walking and try to get as close as possible to the northern border
As long as Trump remains president, the deportations will not stop
We only want a dream for our families, respect for us; we respect Mexico and Guatemala. That is the appeal we make to you, Madam President, to support us with that permission