A caravan from Honduras began heading for the U.S.-Mexico border on Nov. 3, the day of the midterm elections. Miami's Sociedad estimated that the group could grow beyond the reported 100 people. It also said one member was trying to cross the border illegally for the fourth time.
Migrants interviewed by the Latin Times and the Tico Times said they hoped a Democratic takeover of Congress could weaken President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement. One migrant said, "Trump is on his way out in these elections. That's why we're taking the risk." Others cited dangers in Honduras, where the homicide rate is nearly four times the global average. Salvadorans are expected to join the caravan at the Guatemala-Mexico border.
The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa wrote on X that caravan organizers were lying and that "the border is closed." It said people who cross would be detained, deported and prosecuted. The State Department said last week that it would act on visa restrictions for caravan organizers, facilitators and promoters. Andrew Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies said incoming Democrats might try to pass amnesty for illegal immigrants, but that the public might not approve. The Trump administration remains in control for the next two years and has not announced changes to border policy.