Migrants reach capital on long march to border
MEXICO CITY — Thousands of Central Americans from the migrant caravan that has become a divisive campaign issue in the U.S. midterm election have begun arriving in Mexico City, still hundreds of miles from the border.
The migrants were being directed to a sprawling sports complex on the capital’s outskirts, where they were given food, water and provided basic services.
The migrants began streaming into the city over the weekend and by Monday police estimated as many as 3,000 had settled into the sports complex near the city’s international airport. Officials expect about 5,000 by Wednesday.
The sports facility was hastily converted into a shelter. Various tents provided meals, mattresses, clothing and other necessities. Portable toilets lined a long fence. And water for washing was provided in huge blue tanks. Doctors and nurses offered medical aid to those who needed it while volunteers arrived with food, toys and clothing.
“It feels great to be here, after so long on the road,” said Nixa Nunez, 33, who traveled from Honduras with her three young daughters. “But this is just a temporary stop. We all want to go to the United States.”
Juan Antonio Lopez, 16, left Honduras more than three weeks ago with two older sisters and several nieces and nephews. He said that at times they’d gone without food or water and battled fatigue.
“Sometimes my sisters felt desperate, but we had to keep going, pushing forward.”
Like others, Lopez said he was undeterred by President Trump’s vows that they would not be allowed into the U.S., where many of the Hondurans have relatives.
“Hopefully the president will soften his heart and open the door of his country,” said Lopez. “We are not bad people. We suffered a lot in our countries and all we want is a better future. People in the United States should not be afraid of us. We just want to work. … We are not criminals.”
Mexico City officials said they would be able to provide for the migrants despite the fact that the city is facing a major water shortage this week as workers try to repair the city’s aging water infrastructure.
Caravan organizers said the exhausted and ailing migrants — who have traveled hundreds of miles, mostly on foot — needed time to recuperate and rest in the Mexican capital. Many are suffering from colds, blistered feet, insect bites and other ailments. Caravan representatives were also seeking to meet with Mexican political leaders in the country’s capital.