El Paso officials are closely monitoring migrant caravans traveling from southern Mexico, prepared to respond if they approach the city. Enrique Dueñas, spokesman for the El Paso Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management, spoke with media and emphasized the city’s readiness, though the exact destination of the caravans remains unclear. “We don’t know what part of the border they’re heading to. They might end up in El Paso, or they could go to McAllen, Texas,” Dueñas said.
Mexican media reports that 4,000 migrants left Chiapas earlier this month, with more groups expected to follow. These migrants, struggling with a lack of resources and jobs in the Tapachula area, are also anxious about potential U.S. asylum restrictions if Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election. Activist Luis Garcia Villagran from the Center for Human Dignity in Chiapas noted that many migrants are abandoning attempts to schedule appointments through the CBP One app.
Footage from Oscar El Blue confirms the dire situation:
The leading caravan group reached the outskirts of Mexico City by Thursday, while others advanced through Oaxaca. On Friday, Mexican authorities detained 118 caravan members, returning them to Chiapas. Meanwhile, El Paso officials maintain communication with Mexican authorities, a collaboration strengthened during previous surges of migrants in the area.
El Paso has a history of supporting migrant efforts, including assisting at shelters, placing families in hotels, and busing migrants released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to destinations like New York and Chicago. These efforts are largely reimbursed by the federal government. The city also operates a community readiness center at the former Morehead Middle School, which can be activated for any emergency, including a potential influx of migrants.
Dueñas noted that migration often increases toward the end of the year, and while El Paso only accepts migrants lawfully released by CBP, the city remains prepared for any sudden rise in arrivals. He urged migrants to rely on official sources for information, as misinformation often circulates on social media, leading to confusion.
Currently, CBP encounters average 430 migrants daily in El Paso, and local authorities continue to monitor developments closely. Federal officials in the area have yet to confirm whether they expect a significant increase in migrant numbers.