Central American countries call for “orderly and legal” migration as Honduran caravans continue to mobilize

Published by BBN Staff at January 14, 2021

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Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2021. 11:32 am CST.

Photo: Associated Press

By BBN Staff: The Associated Press reports that the governments of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, and Mexico are asking migrant caravans coming out of Honduras to be mindful of COVID-19 prevention rules and immigration laws as they travel.

The countries issued a joint statement after a meeting on Monday, calling for migration to be orderly and legal, amidst expectations of a migrant caravan to leave Honduras on January 15.

Hondurans have been tracking north in an attempt to reach the United States, as social and economic conditions continue to worsen; a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and two devastating hurricanes last year. A caravan of 200 people left earlier today, ahead of the much larger caravan being planned for tomorrow.

Amidst pressure from the US, the countries that met on Monday have all increased security at their borders, with Guatemala deploying some 2,000 national police and soldiers to ensure that all migrants attempting to pass through have proper documentation and respect the COVID-19 protocols.

The mass migration has raised concerns about spreading the virus within the region, prompting the Honduran government to mobilize security forces to stop caravans from leaving.

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