The Department of Homeland Security has warned a migrant caravan of hundreds that entered Mexico and is moving north toward the U.S.-Mexico border. The group departed San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on September 20 and includes migrants from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador and Haiti. DHS said U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring the caravan with international partners. Officials also reiterated that migrants who illegally enter the United States will be apprehended, prosecuted and removed.
The warning came as immigration enforcement remained a major issue during a contentious midterm election cycle. Some migrants said they were seeking better economic opportunities, while one Honduran traveler described hunger and need as key reasons for the journey.
| 1) | Caravan departs Honduras and enters Mexico |
| 2) | DHS issues warning about illegal entry |
| 3) | Group includes migrants from several countries |
| 4) | Economic hardship cited as a motivating factor |
| 5) | Caravan develops amid U.S. immigration crackdown |
Caravan departs Honduras and enters Mexico
The caravan left San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on September 20 and had crossed into Mexico by September 28. It was moving north, with the stated goal of reaching the U.S.-Mexico border. The group numbered in the hundreds as of Monday, according to information attributed to U.S. Border Patrol. Its progress was being monitored as it traveled through Mexico, although the report did not provide a precise location or estimate of when it might reach the border.
DHS issues warning about illegal entry
DHS said U.S. Border Patrol was closely engaged with international partners to track the caravan and monitor additional developments. The agency emphasized that the U.S. border remained closed and secured under the administration of President Donald Trump and Homeland Secretary Mullin. DHS also warned that migrants attempting to enter the country illegally would be apprehended, prosecuted and removed.
“Anyone attempting to illegally enter the United States will be apprehended, prosecuted, and removed from the country.”
The department further said that the period associated with “catch and release” had ended, using forceful language to describe the administration’s border policy.
Group includes migrants from several countries
The caravan was described as predominantly consisting of Hondurans, Guatemalans, Salvadorans, Ecuadorians and Haitians. The multinational makeup reflects the range of nationalities traveling together on the route through Mexico. The report did not identify an organized leadership structure for the group or provide a final count of participants.
Economic hardship cited as a motivating factor
Some migrants said they were traveling to the United States in search of better economic opportunities. Honduran migrant José Zelaya, who was traveling with seven relatives, said he wanted to reach the United States. He also said the caravan had no organized leadership and that “hunger and need” were driving the journey. His comments illustrated the economic pressures cited by some participants, but did not establish a single motivation for every migrant in the group.
“I want to reach the United States.”
Caravan develops amid U.S. immigration crackdown
The caravan emerged while the Trump administration was pursuing broad deportations and intensified immigration enforcement nationwide. The issue had become a prominent subject during the midterm election cycle, with the administration’s border policies receiving attention from both sides of the political debate. Officials described illegal immigration levels as historically low since Trump took office, while the caravan’s movement provided a fresh test of how regional authorities would respond.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The caravan left San Pedro Sula on September 20. |
| 2 | Hundreds of migrants were moving north through Mexico. |
| 3 | DHS said illegal entrants would be apprehended, prosecuted and removed. |
| 4 | Participants included people from five national backgrounds. |
| 5 | Migrants cited economic opportunity, hunger and need as reasons for traveling. |
Summary
A caravan of hundreds that began in Honduras and crossed into Mexico was heading north toward the U.S.-Mexico border as of September 28. DHS said Border Patrol was coordinating with international partners to monitor the group and warned that illegal crossings would result in apprehension, prosecution and removal. The caravan’s movement took place amid heightened U.S. immigration enforcement and continuing political debate over border policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the caravan leave Honduras?
The caravan departed San Pedro Sula on September 20.
Where was the caravan headed?
It was moving north through Mexico toward the U.S.-Mexico border.
What did DHS warn migrants about?
DHS said anyone attempting to enter the United States illegally would be apprehended, prosecuted and removed.
Which nationalities were represented?
The caravan was predominantly made up of Hondurans, Guatemalans, Salvadorans, Ecuadorians and Haitians.
