Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Mexico's National Guard escorts migrants being sent back to Central America on January 2020.

MEXICO CITY — Migrant caravans have been regularly traveling from Central America with the hopes of reaching the United States. The last one tried to reach American soil this week, but Guatemala and Mexico have kept tight operations on their borders to stop them — with the blessing of the U.S.

Mexico has been reinforcing its southern border using the National Guard and stricter checkpoints. The Mexican government says migrations may not happen without order and safety, particularly during the pandemic. 

Guatemala has been criticized by civil rights organizations for what they consider extreme use of force. According to reports, the most recent caravan was dissuaded there using tear gas and shields.   

Detained migrants are sent by bus to Honduras and El Salvador, their main countries of origin, or detained in immigration centers. 

The Trump administration had congratulated both countries for their operations. It is unclear if president Joe Biden will tackle this specific immigration issue.