Large Central American caravan departs southern Mexico aiming for U.S. border amid election hopes

More than 400 Central American migrants formed the “Caravan Without Borders” and set out from Tapachula toward the U.S. border on Tuesday. The majority hail from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, while a minority are Haitian, Venezuelan and Cuban nationals. Participants report financial strain, harsh weather and long treks as they move through southern Mexico, and many believe a Democratic win in the upcoming U.S. midterms could lead to a less restrictive border policy.

Their goal is to secure formal refugee status from Mexican authorities, which would grant work permits and easier travel north. Some are recent deportees hoping to re-enter the United States to join family members. The caravan follows earlier groups, such as the “Fe y Esperanza,” which were processed by Mexico’s National Institute of Migration and given travel documents.