Group That Escorts Migrant Caravans To U.S. Border Draws Scrutiny

AP Photo/Moises Castillo

Two weeks into their journey on a blistering hot October day some 2,400 miles from the U.S. border in San Diego, Mexico invited Central American migrants to remain in Southern Mexico and work - marking a pivotal moment for the largest caravan of asylum seekers ever headed to the U.S.

Irineo Mujica of Pueblo Sin Fronteras told several thousand migrants camped in the central plaza of Arriaga after walking and hitchhiking 60 miles that day that then-President Enrique Pena Nieto was about to leave office, and that Mexico in the past rejected eight of 10 applicants for asylum. He briefly mentioned the U.S. would also try to block their efforts but that the decision was up to the migrants.

“We agree that the refugee system is broken? That this is more of the same,” Mujica said of Mexico’s offer.

Applause erupted and the crowd chanted, “Let’s keep going!” ”We can do it!”

Rejecting Mexico’s offer was a vote of confidence in Pueblo Sin Fronteras, or People Without Borders, that has escorted large groups of Central Americans to the U.S. border in San Diego, where many claim asylum or other form of protection. It would be the fourth time in two years that the group accompanied a caravan to the same destination, Tijuana, a traditional spot for migrants with a network of shelters and nonprofits to help.

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