A caravan of migrants that left Honduras on Wednesday, January 15 arrived in Guatemala. But according to reports, Guatemalan police, accompanied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, detained and loaded approximately 300 migrants onto buses yesterday, sending them back to the Honduran border.
For those who managed to evade Guatemalan authorities, security forces in Mexico say they are prepared to stop the flow to the United States.
It is very likely that these new efforts of migrant caravans to reach the United States have caused several Central American governments to issue warning messages to their citizens not to undertake the journey in this manner due to the numerous dangers.
The government of El Salvador yesterday issued a warning urging its nationals "not to be deceived by unscrupulous people who encourage irregular group travel".
He also emphasized that "the Government of President Nayib Bukele, as well as the high authorities of Mexico, Guatemala and the United States have indicated that abuses to the immigration laws will not be tolerated; therefore, the law regulations will be strictly applied". In other words, all these countries will enforce the immigration laws of their respective countries.
The exodus of Central American migrants seeking safety and a better life who have joined caravans heading to the United States began in approximately 2018, thinking that by traveling in groups they have greater security and possibilities of reaching their destination in the hope of applying for immigration benefits, including asylum. But this method offers no guarantee either that they will arrive safely in the United States or that they will qualify for any immigration benefits.
If you need to travel, do it legally. There are times when there are avenues to emigrate that could prevent a tragedy. Before embarking on such a dangerous journey, consult with a U.S. immigration law attorney to see if you are eligible for any immigration benefits.
Also, be sure to obtain guidance on the laws of each country you will be entering during the course of your trip to understand your immigration rights, responsibilities and options.
When you go to a lawyer, confirm that he or she is licensed and experienced to advise you. Beware of fake lawyers.
In the United States, only licensed attorneys or representatives accredited by the Department of Justice may advise you on U.S. immigration law. Unlicensed foreign attorneys, notaries, immigration consultants, paper pushers, multiservices or coyotes cannot provide you with U.S. immigration legal advice.
Here you can see the press release:
