In January of 2020, fleeing violence and poor economic conditions, Hondurans organized a massive migrant caravan that travelled through Guatemala into Mexico. After travelling for eight days, the caravan crossed the Suchiate River into Mexico; upon arriving, it was met by the recently established Guardia Nacional, composed of former Federal, Military and Naval Police.
Mexican President Andrés Manual López Obrador has historically called for safe passage for migrants, but when US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs, Mexico reversed its policy and deployed soldiers to keep Central American migrants from entering Mexico.
The migrants attempting to enter Mexico split into two major groups: the largest group crossed the Suchiate River and was tear-gassed by the Guardia Nacional. Forced to retreat, they waited by the river’s edge for two days. Their second attempt across the river (at 4AM) was a success, but mere hours later the Guardia Nacional surrounded them, loaded them onto buses and sent them back to Honduras.
The smaller group amassed in the border town of El Ceibo in Guatemala and was met by Julio Cesar Sanchez Amaya, Head of Foreign Relations in Mexico. He welcomed migrants in groups of ten to enter Mexico and seek asylum. But after being kept briefly in detention centers, they were deported back to Honduras against Julio’s word, without being given the opportunity to seek asylum.
Trump has effectively barred asylum seekers from entering the US by threatening to impose tariffs and cut foreign aid to Central American countries. The human cost of Trump’s political agenda is denying people their fundamental human rights. For many asylum seekers, deportation will result in living a life of extortion, impoverishment and even death. The full effect of Trump’s xenophobic policies toward immigrants and asylum seekers will no doubt be felt for generations to come.
LA CARAVANA DEL DIABLO
Whatever it takes
Initially, Mexico closed its doors to migrants at the El Ceibo border. This frame captures an unaccompanied minor trying to cross illegally under the gate.
Almost There
Chelita clings to her mother amidst the chaos of migrants waiting to be admitted into Mexico. After days of waiting at the border, Julio César Sánchez, the Director General of Special Affairs for the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government of Mexico, appeared as a representative of the Mexican government. He began allowing families to enter in small groups after making ambiguous promises that didn't apply to all members of the caravan. He never said what would happen to the families or where they would be taken.
Tear Gassed
Upon arriving at the Mexican-Guatemalan border, roughly 800 migrants managed to cross into
Mexico and walked several miles to Frontera Hidalgo. Upon entering the area, hundreds of troops descended upon the caravan and forcibly herded people onto buses using tear gas and riot shields. Women and children were caught in the chaos; many suffered chemical burns and other serious injuries.
Joel Crosses the Suchiate River
The migrant caravan successfully crossed the Suchiate River from Guatemala to Mexico. Having travelled across two countries in eight days, Joel, a Honduran migrant with one leg, makes his way across the river with crutches, trying to keep up with the caravan.
On My Way, January 2020
One member of the migrant caravan waves a self-made United States flag to demonstrate his eagerness to become an American citizen. The conditions in his homeland are so dangerous that he is willing to pick up a new flag and start a new life in a country he doesn’t know — a country that doesn’t want him. This dynamic produces a mixture of desperation and hope that won't be dissuaded by tear gas and riot shields.
National Guard Troops
This is the newly formed Guardia Nacional, established in 2019 and deployed to the border because of Trump's tariffs on Mexican goods. The marines surrounded the caravan to deter their journey north. They tear gassed migrants – including women and children – as they arrived at the border.
Families Stay Together
Migrant families – sometimes two or three at a time – squeeze onto vehicles to get a ride to the next town on their journey from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Unfortunately, it's a dangerous way to travel; many migrants are reported to fall off these overpacked vehicles and suffer serious injuries.
José
After sleeping in a wasteland by the Guatemala-Mexico border, José, a 6-year-old migrant child traveling with his father from Honduras, is waiting patiently at 3AM to start his journey once more across the border into Mexico via the Suchiate River. Two days prior, the caravan attempted to cross into Mexican territory via the Suchiate River, and the Mexican National Guard carrying semi-automatic rifles mobilized, trying to target the groups and detaining people where they could. There were pushes and struggles to persuade migrants not to cross illegally. Many migrants were apprehended at the river; others like José and his father escaped.
Ashley
27-year-old Ashley is a trans woman from Honduras. She left her country because her life was in danger. She received many threats on her life and was bullied constantly for being a trans woman. Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Crossing the Suchiate River
Migrants from Honduras cross the Suchiate River as they pass through Guatemala to Mexico. Two days prior, the Mexican government tear-gassed a group of 500 migrants who arrived at the border and attempted to wade across the river into Mexico. Despite this conflict, the caravan persisted. Out of desperation, they tried crossing the river again. This time they succeeded and pushed forward several miles into Mexico.