After traveling more than 240 kilometers from the southern border of Chiapas, the migrant caravan known as “David Dios Bendice” (David God Bless) arrived in the municipality of Arriaga, considered one of the last stops within Chiapas before continuing its journey to the state of Oaxaca.
The group, composed mainly of people from Haiti and Central American countries, departed approximately two weeks ago from Tapachula with around 1,200 members; however, during the journey, the group has dwindled considerably due to physical exhaustion, high temperatures, and the difficult conditions of the route.
Currently, it is estimated that around 600 migrants remain on the march, including women, men, and minors, who continue their journey hoping to reach Mexico City to seek better job opportunities and obtain the conditions that will allow them to regularize their immigration status in the country.
During the journey between Tonalá and Arriaga, near the Social Reintegration Center No. 13, agents from the National Migration Institute (INM) conducted an operation in which approximately 10 migrants were detained.
The intervention led to tense moments and arguments between members of the caravan and federal agents; however, the group was unable to prevent the detainees from being transferred to begin the corresponding immigration procedures.
Throughout the route, the caravan has been accompanied by security personnel from all three levels of government, while various municipalities and municipal DIF (National System for Integral Family Development) offices have provided humanitarian aid in the form of food, water, and basic medical care in the towns where they are staying overnight.
Many of the Haitian migrants have stated that leaving their country was a decision forced by the violence, lack of employment, and social crisis currently facing Haiti, a situation that, they say, prevents them from returning.
Source: oem
