A migrant caravan originating in Honduras has grown to more than 600 people as it travels north through Mexico toward the U.S. border, according to reports from the Spanish news agency EFE. The group, which began its journey on September 20 from San Pedro Sula, includes migrants from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Haiti.
The caravan, identified as “Fe y Esperanza” (Faith and Hope), resumed its movement from Tapachula, southern Mexico, on September 28 after crossing into the country from Guatemala. The group’s size has expanded since its initial departure, with reports indicating between 200 and 400 migrants leaving in small groups before consolidating into a larger formation.
U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) monitoring
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed in a statement to media outlets that U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is closely engaged with international partners to monitor the caravan’s movement and any developments. A DHS spokesperson reiterated that migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally will be apprehended, prosecuted, and removed, emphasizing that the border remains under heightened security measures.
The statement highlighted that zero migrants have been released into the U.S. during 16 consecutive months, a policy attributed to the current administration’s enforcement strategy. Border Patrol recorded 8,870 apprehensions along the southwest border in August 2026, a 94% decrease compared to monthly averages during the previous administration.
Migrant motivations and conditions
Some migrants within the caravan have cited economic opportunities as their primary reason for making the journey. José Zelaya, a Honduran migrant traveling with seven relatives, told the Spanish-language EFE news agency that he sought to reach the United States for improved prospects.
The caravan’s movement coincides with strict U.S. border policies, including asylum restrictions and increased military and National Guard deployments at the southern border. The Trump administration has described these measures as part of a broader effort to deter illegal crossings, while critics argue the policies undermine humanitarian obligations.
Policy context and enforcement trends
Since early 2025, the U.S. has maintained a national emergency declaration at the southern border, deploying active-duty military personnel and National Guard troops to support border operations. The administration has also sharply curtailed asylum access, with reports indicating that access to protection has been severely restricted under recent proclamations.
Border enforcement data shows a significant decline in apprehensions compared to prior years, with officials attributing the drop to stricter deterrence measures. The DHS statement emphasized that “catch and release” policies have ended, framing the current approach as a sustained effort to enforce immigration laws.
International response
Mexico’s government has not publicly commented on the caravan’s movement, though local and federal authorities in southern Mexico have historically monitored such groups to prevent unauthorized crossings into the U.S. The caravan’s progress through Mexico remains under observation by regional officials, with no immediate reports of disruptions or interventions.
The situation continues to evolve as the group advances toward the northern border, with further updates expected as the caravan’s size and trajectory are reassessed.