Caravan of Central American Illegal Aliens Heads to the U.S.
As part of Holy Week, over a thousand Central American illegal aliens set out to complete a "Stations of the Cross", traversing through Mexico, to reach the United States' southern border. Upon arrival, they hope to make asylum claims.
The caravan, marching under the slogan "Migrantes en la lucha" ("Migrants in the Fight"), was announced about a month ago by the group Pueblo Sin Fronteras. The organization asked for donations on its Facebook page and encouraged people to send them a message if they were interested in volunteering. The organization's mission statement reads as follows, ''Our mission is to provide shelter and safety to migrants and refugees in transit, accompany them in their journey, and together demand respect for our human rights."
As early as March 18, participants gathered in Tapachula, on Mexico's southern border (the point of departure). Organizers shared a video on their Facebook page which showed the migrants playing ice-breaker games. According to the post, the organization also conducted some introductory workshops.
Prior to their departure, a member of the caravan shared about his prior attempt to request asylum in the United States. The man noted he was held at a detention center for a year and half and subsequently deported. He asked the group members to carefully consider their decision to request asylum, emphasizing that it is "not easy" and it is not just a matter of turning oneself in and saying this or the other.
