Immigration has always been a prevalent issue: migration crises, refugee crises, etc. In America at least, immigration is the foundation of the nation. As of now, migrant caravans have been the biggest source of attention to this humanitarian crisis and have been around for about 10 years. The caravans initially contained Central American mothers, whose children “disappeared” while making the journey north to the United States (“Everything You Need to Know About the Migrant Caravan, and Those That Came Before”). In the Spanish language, these caravans are often known as “Viacrusis Migrante” - Migrant Stations of the Cross - because it symbolizes Jesus Christ’s carrying of the cross and his crucifixion because of the pain and suffering they do while carrying their burdens, as Jesus Christ did. The migrant caravans have traditionally traveled around Easter, in part to draw parallels between their persecution (“Everything You Need to Know About the Migrant Caravan, and Those That Came Before”). Migrant caravans, over time, have increased in size due to a safety in numbers mentality and tactics. Traveling in larger groups provides safety to migrants who have long been targets of extortion, rape and other criminal activity (“Everything You Need to Know About the Migrant Caravan, and Those That Came Before”).
Back in November, a migrant caravan of thousands of people faced prejudice and resistance going through Tijuana. A few hundred Tijuanenses gathered in the city's high-end Rio area to protest the groups migrating from Central American countries (“Shouting 'Mexico First,' Hundreds In Tijuana March Against Migrant Caravan”). Many of the Central Americans crossing through to the United States border have applied for asylum in San Diego, which borders Tijuana, but the Trump Administration has worked to set even more limits and rules to the asylum requests. According to demonstrator Magdalena Baltazar, “Tijuana is a place that welcomes anyone, but you must have papers, you must identify yourself.” Even the mayor, Juan Manuel Gastélum, of Tijuana does not welcome the migrants, stating “los derechos humanos son para humanos derechos”: "Human rights are for only upstanding humans.”
Following the incident, as more than 7,500 immigrants arrived at the border of Mexico and the United States, many were seen running and pulling away from it. Children fainting and people throwing rocks because of it. Despite reports saying that the tear gas was lethal these people feared their lives and that of their children. One woman, Maria Meza, disclosed to BuzzFeed News that she was scared and that “[she] grabbed her daughters and ran… [she] thought [her] were going to die with [her] because of the gas [they all] inhaled” (Adolfo Flores). President Trump however, defends such actions stating that the border agents were "being rushed by some very tough people" (Migrant caravan: Trump defends tear gas on Mexico border). Despite said statement, complaints about the use of teargas were expressed. That is because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that tear gas may cause; a burning sensation in the eyes and mouth, shortness of breath, and burns or rashes. Even the Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits using tear gas in war but allows it for such domestic control.
All that is left today is waiting for all the migrants of the caravan, for those hoping to cross into the United States or awaiting trial.
These people will continue to persevere despite the obstacles to come.
Works Cited
Flores, Adolfo. “The Mother In This Iconic Photo Of Sunday's Border Teargassing Was Thinking Only Of Getting Her Children To Safety.” BuzzFeed News, BuzzFeed News, 27 Nov. 2018, www.buzzfeednews.com/article/adolfoflores/mother-photo-fleeing-tear-gas-border. Accessed 13 Dec. 2018.
Fredrick, James. “Shouting 'Mexico First,' Hundreds In Tijuana March Against Migrant Caravan.” NPR, NPR, 19 Nov. 2018, www.npr.org/2018/11/19/669193788/shouting-mexico-first-hundreds-in-tijuana-march-against-migrant-caravan. Accessed 13 Dec. 2018.
“Migrant Caravan: Trump Defends Tear Gas on Mexico Border.” BBC News, BBC, 27 Nov. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46355258. Accessed 13 Dec. 2018.
Srikrishnan, Maya. “Everything You Need to Know About the Migrant Caravan, and Those That Came Before.” Voice of San Diego, 23 Oct. 2018, www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-migrant-caravan-and-those-that-came-before/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2018.
Comments