Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, discusses Congress’ extension of the budget deadline, the border crisis, and the impeachment push against Alejandro Mayorkas. A caravan of over 500 migrants seeking to cross into the U.S. dissolved before reaching the border, Guatemalan officials said Monday. The caravan originated in Honduras but dissolved shortly after crossing the border into Guatemala on Sunday, the Guatemalan Migration Institute says. Guatemalan authorities stopped the caravan a few miles after it entered the country and returned those without proper documentation to Honduras. Those who had documentation were allowed to continue, though Guatemala did not provide details on how many migrants had such documentation.
This failed Honduran caravan comes just a month after a caravan of approximately 8,000 people made its way through Mexico towards the U.S. in late December. The Biden administration has been attempting to downplay the record-high levels of illegal immigration observed in the past months. In December alone, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested daily at the southwest U.S. border. However, the White House has dismissed it as a seasonal surge.
November witnessed 242,418 migrant encounters at the southern border, marking the highest November on record and the third-highest month ever. When questioned about these figures, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claimed that the increases in numbers were “not unusual.” She emphasized that the immigration system has been broken for decades, and President Biden is committed to addressing the issue through comprehensive immigration policy legislation.
Historically, migrants crossing through Mexico were allowed to walk along the highway, assuming they would eventually tire themselves out before reaching the U.S. border. However, in recent years, migrants have found alternative means of transportation such as buses and trains to facilitate their journey.
Illegal immigration remains a contentious issue, with Republicans expressing concerns about the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis. This failed Honduran caravan serves as another example of the ongoing challenges faced by border officials and immigration courts.
Overall, the surge in illegal immigration and the failed caravan highlight the need for comprehensive immigration reform and effective border control measures. The issue remains a key concern for Republicans and some Americans, who believe that it threatens national security and undermines the integrity of the immigration system.
