Mexico/Guatemala: Tensions as migrant caravan reaches border

Event

Security measures have been reinforced in Chiapas state along the border with Guatemala, notably at the border crossing near Tapachula, ahead of the arrival of a caravan of migrants. The group is traveling from Central America to demand asylum in Mexico, the US, and/or Canada. The first wave of migrants, traveling by bus, began arriving at the border on Wednesday, October 17. The majority of the group is traveling by foot and will arrive later.

The group of migrants left San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on October 13, growing in size to more than 3000 people as it passed through Honduras and parts of Guatemala. There were some tensions when the group crossed the Honduran-Guatemalan border, but the crossing eventually passed off without major incident. However, the Guatemala-Mexico border crossing risks being more confrontational. Honduran citizens have the right to travel to Guatemala with only a national identity card, but both Honduran and Guatemalan citizens need visas to enter Mexico; Mexican officials have said anyone without visas may be turned away and anyone who enters illegally will be detained and deported.

Advice

Individuals in Guatemala and Mexico are advised to keep abreast of the situation, keep their distance from the caravan, and to avoid if possible the Tapachula border crossing in the coming days as a precaution.