The governor of the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, Mexico is offering buses to help move masses of Central American migrants out of his area. Governor Miguel Angel Yunes announced government officials will also provide humanitarian aid to the group that is slowly working its way toward the US border.
In a video message released on Friday, Governor Yunes said, “It is very important that they be able to move soon from Veracruz toward another place… For that reason, we also offered them transportation so that, if possible, tomorrow ... they may be able to go to Mexico City or to the place they wish."
Buses bound for Mexico City are reportedly scheduled to start leaving this morning in groups of ten. Women and children will be given priority. The trip is expected to take between ten and 12 hours. Organizers are hoping to persuade lawmakers in Mexico’s capital to change their immigration laws.
About 6,000 migrants are working their way north through Mexico in at least three caravans. The first and largest group entered Mexico from Honduras on October 19th. The closest point of entry into the United States is in McAllen, Texas. Sickness and fatigue have impacted their numbers. Some have accepted offers to return to their home counties, while others have decided to stay in Mexico.
President Trump is already deploying troops along the border to aid Border Patrol Agents in their effort to stop the surge. The first soldiers started arriving in Harlingen from Fort Riley, Kansas on Friday. Military troops do not have law enforcement authority and can only serve in a support capacity.