Thousands of Hondurans, including many families with children, have walked together across Guatemala hoping to reach the United States from a region battered by poverty, violence, the pandemic and hurricanes.
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Between 7,000 and 8,000 migrants have entered Guatemala since Friday, according to Guatemala's immigration authority, and are heading toward the Mexican border, where Mexican authorities have deployed troops and riot police.
Once the caravan reaches Mexico, it is likely to be subjected to pressure to break up. Mexico's migration agreement with the United States is still in place, meaning the caravan would be dispersed, a Mexican official said.
The first migrant caravan of the year comes less than a week before US President-elect Joe Biden takes office, promising a more humane approach to migration, in contrast to outgoing President Donald Trump's hardline policies.
The caravan has grown considerably over the last 24 hours, with members citing a spiralling crisis of hunger and homelessness in Honduras as their reasons for joining.
Coronavirus-related lockdowns shattered Honduras' economy, which last year suffered its worst contraction on record.
Australian Associated Press
