Migrants Move North Through Mexico as U.S. Immigration Measures Intensify

Over 600 migrants are moving north through Mexico toward the U.S. border. This journey began in Honduras as the Trump administration increases efforts to restrict migration before November’s midterms.

On September 20, between 200 and 400 Honduran migrants started their journey from San Pedro Sula to the border with Guatemala, according to EFE. By September 28, the group, named “Fe y Esperanza” or “Faith and Hope,” grew to over 600 during its move from Tapachula in southern Mexico to the north. The migrants include people from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Haiti.

This movement occurs amid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, which has decreased unlawful crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Since he returned to office in January 2025, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. He sent military personnel and National Guard troops to support border security, restricted asylum access, and enforced a policy of detaining and deporting illegal crossers.

Border crossings fell under these measures. In August 2026, U.S. Border Patrol recorded 8,870 apprehensions along the southwest border, a 94% drop from the monthly average during the Biden administration. DHS reported no migrant releases into the U.S. for 16 consecutive months.

Attempts to seek asylum at the southern border sharply declined. On Trump’s first day back, he issued a proclamation to prevent affected migrants from claiming asylum. Although this policy faced legal challenges, the caravan is still hundreds of miles from the U.S. border. It remains uncertain how many will reach northern Mexico or attempt entry into the U.S. Previous caravans often failed to organize successfully to reach the U.S. Mexican authorities frequently intercepted and dispersed groups by detaining migrants or relocating them within Mexico.

Economic hardship drives many to leave Honduras. EFE reported cases like a woman traveling with two children unable to find work. Another migrant acknowledged the challenge of reaching the U.S. yet resolved to try.

The United States’ borders are closed to those who violate the law.

According to Guatemala’s Institute of Migration, Hondurans can enter Guatemala visa-free under the CA-4 regional agreement. However, Mexico’s National Migration Institute states Hondurans generally require a visa, with some exceptions. EFE noted the caravan’s arrival in Tapachula last Thursday with around 300 people, later expanding as others joined.

U.S. officials warn against unlawful U.S. entry. On September 21, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa tweeted warnings against the dangerous journey. “Do not believe human traffickers. Enter illegally, and you will be deported.” DHS also reacted via video post, declaring, “Our time has come.”

The caravan sparked U.S. political reactions. Republicans raised concerns about border security ahead of midterms. Representative Nancy Mace suggested the migrants anticipated a Democrat-led Congress post-election. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned the caravan’s timing linked to political motives.

Honduran migrant José Zelaya, who left San Pedro Sula with his family, aims to reach the U.S. for financial reasons. Zelaya dismissed leader claims, stating hunger and necessity drive the group.