Cuba

A new caravan led mainly by Cuban migrants is making its way through southern Mexico. But unlike past movements, this group is not trying to reach the United States. Instead, they are heading for Mexico City, hoping to build a new life there. This shift marks a dramatic change in migration patterns. For years, the U.S. was the ultimate goal for most migrants traveling through Mexico. Now, stricter border controls and changing political realities have pushed many to look for safety and opportunity elsewhere. A Journey with a New Goal The caravan began in Tapachula, near the border with Guatemala. It includes more than a thousand people from Cuba and other Latin American countries. They are traveling north on foot and by bus, aiming to reach the Mexican capital. Their message is simple: they want permission to live and work in Mexico legally. Many of them have waited months in overcrowded shelters in Tapachula. Some were stuck there for nearly a year, unable to move north or find jobs. Frustration and hunger pushed them to organize and take to the road. They believe reaching Mexico City will give them a better chance to speak directly to government officials and demand legal documents. Trump’s Policies Shift the Migration Map Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in early 2025, the U.S. has seen a sharp decline in illegal border crossings. The administration has expanded deportations, increased patrols, and enforced new agreements with Mexico and Central American nations. (MORE NEWS: Apple Pulls ICE-Tracking Apps from App Store) The New York Post is reporting that ICE is on track to deport 600,000 illegal immigrants in 2025 and 2 million have left voluntarily. “This is just the beginning.” As a result, the number of migrants attempting to cross into the U.S. has dropped to historic lows. This has forced many to rethink their plans. For the first time in years, a large number of migrants now say they intend to stay in Mexico rather than risk the journey north. Some say they no longer see the U.S. as a welcoming place. Others fear being detained or deported if they try to cross. For them, Mexico represents a chance to work, earn money, and live without constant fear of arrest. Seeking Opportunity Inside Mexico Mexico, specifically Mexico City, is becoming a new destination for migrants across the region. Many believe they can find jobs in construction, agriculture, or tourism. Some also hope to start small businesses or join family members already living in the country. The Mexican government has been trying to manage this new wave of settlement. Officials have offered temporary humanitarian permits that allow migrants to travel and seek work. However, these permits often expire after 30 days, leaving many in legal limbo once again. Many immigrants have been outright denied or have received pushback on their requests, leaving them frustrated. A migrant caravan leaves southern Mexico and heads for the capital Mexico City in search of better opportunities. The Cuban and Haitian migrants cite red tape and high costs as barriers to making life in Mexico work pic.twitter.com/G35cg1NBc9 — Reuters (@Reuters) October 2, 2025 Despite the uncertainty, migrants remain hopeful. They see Mexico City as a symbol of progress — a place where their voices can be heard and their paperwork processed faster. Hardships on the Road The journey north is dangerous and exhausting. Migrants face long days of walking under intense heat with little food or water. Some travel with small children or elderly relatives. Along the way, they risk robbery, extortion, and abuse from criminal groups that target vulnerable travelers. Local residents sometimes offer food and shelter, but others are less welcoming. Some communities fear that large groups of migrants will strain local resources or increase insecurity. Despite these challenges, the caravan continues to move forward. (RELATED NEWS: Cartel “La Diabla” Busted for Baby, Organ Ring in Mexico) Mexico’s Complex Role Mexico now faces a difficult balancing act. On one hand, it must show compassion and manage the humanitarian crisis. On the other, it must maintain cooperation with the United States, which continues to pressure Mexico to control migration flows. The Mexican National Migration Institute has been documenting participants and reviewing cases to determine who may qualify for residency. In past caravans, authorities have used a strategy of dispersing migrants to other regions to prevent large concentrations near the capital or the U.S. border. A Turning Point in Migration The Cuban-led caravan may mark the beginning of a new migration era. Instead of using Mexico as a bridge to the United States, many migrants now view it as a final destination. Economic opportunity, cultural familiarity, and proximity to home make Mexico an appealing choice. While challenges remain — from bureaucracy to discrimination — migrants say they prefer the uncertainty of Mexico over the hostility they expect at the U.S. border. This shift could reshape regional migration policies for years to come. The U.S. may see reduced border pressure, while Mexico will need stronger systems for asylum, employment, and integration. How both governments respond will define the next chapter in North American migration. The Road Ahead: A Hard Truth As the caravan moves closer to Mexico City, the country faces mounting pressure. Streets and shelters are already crowded with people waiting for government help. Local resources are stretched thin, and frustration is growing among residents who feel their communities are being overrun. Many Mexicans argue it’s time to draw a firm line. They believe the government must stop encouraging massive caravans that drain public funds and disrupt local life. What began as a humanitarian issue has become a matter of national security and social stability. The reality is that Mexico cannot absorb endless waves of migrants. Jobs are limited, infrastructure is weak, and public services are already under strain. While compassion matters, so does responsibility. Allowing thousands of undocumented migrants to remain without control invites long-term problems that will hurt ordinary citizens first. The hard truth for some is that the…