Families pushing toddlers in strollers. A group of skinny young men who say there are no jobs in their country. A young woman from Guatemala being helped by medics by the roadside, her ankle twisted and swollen after six days of walking. These are the Central American migrants Donald Trump is sending extra troops to the border to protect America from. They know Mr Trump does not like them, but many are pressing on all the same. The economy is bad. And it is a dangerous place β there are bandits.
The size of the caravan appears to be dwindling every day. From a starting total of 10,, it is estimated the number is now somewhere between 4,, Mexican officials said nearly 1, had dropped out of the caravan to apply for asylum in Mexico. Carlos Roberto Hernandez, of Yoro province in Honduras, ended his effort to make it further north after developing a cough during the heat and evening rain. But others are ploughing on, despite the difficulty of the journey and the knowledge that while many in America may sympathise with their cause, its president does not.
The extra troops will provide what was described as logistical support to the border patrol. This would include a variety of things such as vehicles, tents and equipment. Some are also leaving due to the lack of economic opportunity in their home countries. His increasingly vitriolic attacks in recent days at rallies across the country is no coincidence; he knows that few things energise many of his supporters than the issue of immigration. The caravan, which takes place every year, provides a a way for those without the means to pay a coyote, a relatively safe way to make their way northwards.
The reason the journey is so long β at least 1, miles from the Mexican border in Chiapas β is that they are not following a shorter route that avoids especially dangerous areas they would have to pass if they went closer to the city of Monterrey and try and enter the US through Texas. Commentators point out that the US has never been a bystander in the problems engulfing Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, that have led so many to leave.
Mr Trump has not yet tweeted about this. Melkin Claros, 34, was travelling with his seven-year old son and a teenage nephew. He told the AP that despite the challenges, he was not going to give up. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. Want to discuss real-world problems, be involved in the most engaging discussions and hear from the journalists? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium.
