Traveling by caravan is a risky way to migrate. It’s difficult to get to the United States if you’re not ready to face the risks of trafficking, gang violence, and other problems. A large number of migrants can become victims of violence, including some children. Fortunately, many migrants are able to escape such situations by traveling in groups.
Several caravans have crossed Mexico in recent years, but they’ve always been smaller and less noticeable. In this year’s caravan, caravaners were hoping to protest against human trafficking and to raise awareness about the plight of migrants from Central America. Despite the risks, many would-be migrants saw the caravan as a cheaper, safer, and more convenient way to migrate north.
Travelling by caravan is a high-risk experience, because many people have lost their lives crossing this route. Many have been mugged or kidnapped by cartels. The route has become increasingly treacherous in the past decade, and border security has been stepped up in response.
Those in the caravan claim to be fleeing poverty and persecution in their home countries. Honduras has the highest murder rate in Latin America, and with only 9 million people, it’s not hard to understand why people would want to leave. In addition to being vulnerable to gang violence, these migrants also face hunger and dehydration.
Caravans are also a risky way to travel for church groups. Even if the distance traveled is short, there’s still a high risk of fatal collisions. As a result, evaluating your church’s transportation patterns can help you implement basic safety measures to keep everyone safe. Furthermore, the fear of getting separated can cause drivers to take risks, such as running red lights or failing to yield at intersections.
Overloading your caravan is also a major risk. Adding a spare wheel and a hundred liters of water can add up to 500 kilos to your caravan. You’ll also need to factor in the weight of clothing, awnings, appliances, and toys. Make sure you check your caravan’s maximum towing capacity before making any journey by caravan.
As the caravan heads north, it’s common for migrants to be assaulted and extorted. One notorious incident in 2010 left 72 migrants dead after refusing to pay a ransom. Although there have been fewer high-profile massacres since then, last year’s incident in San Antonio resulted in the death of at least 10 migrants. Several of the migrants in the caravan had traveled with smugglers before and decided that it was not worth the risk.
The caravans have generated a great deal of controversy. President Trump has threatened to close the southern border, call in the military, and halt humanitarian aid to Central American migrants. His rhetoric, however, has stoked fears and fueled racist rhetoric.