JUCHITÁN, Mexico – KPRC’s Jacob Rascon is covering the migrant caravan from Mexico. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.
WHAT IS THE MIGRANT CARAVAN?
The migrant caravan is a group of 7,000 or so refugees traveling from Honduras to the United States. By Tuesday, they had traveled around 700 miles to Juchitán, Mexico. They left San Pedro Sula on Oct. 13.
WHEN WILL THE CARAVAN REACH THE UNITED STATES?
The US/Mexico border in Texas is about 1,000 miles away. That will take at least another month at the rate the group is traveling. The southern border in California is about 2,000 miles away. The caravan may split up. Many hope to end up in California. Many others hope to live in Texas and other states.
WHO ORGANIZED THE CARAVAN?
Three men in Honduras, according to one of them, Walter Cuello, wanted to bring attention to the violence and poverty of the country. Some say they wanted to embarrass the Honduran president.
These organizers imagined a few hundred Hondurans would join their cause. But the idea spread like wildfire on social media. Thousands joined the group, but for their own reasons.
WHO LEADS THE GROUP NOW?
Walter Cuello is the only original organizer left. Immigrant rights group “Pueblos Sin Fronteras” started helping once the caravan arrived in Mexico. There are six PSF volunteers with them now. They hold meetings every night and invite all the immigrants. A couple hundred or so show up. The next day’s destination city is announced and other caravan issues are discussed. Migrants volunteer to help do specific jobs the following day.
WHO FUNDS THE CARAVAN?
“Pueblos Sin Fronteras” is a nonprofit that receives donations, many of them anonymous. But most of the help along the away comes from local governments. They provide buses, food and water and help coordinate rides.
Many other groups and churches provide medical care, shoes and other supplies. There are many chefs in the kitchen.