Members of a migrant caravan slowly moving through Mexico are requesting “safe and dignified” transportation to Mexico City as the group continues its journey toward the U.S. border, where many say they plan to apply for asylum.
The Associated Press reports that members of the caravan have reached out to Mexico’s government for aid, but have been largely rebuffed in their efforts except for a few members of the country’s migrant assistance agency giving a ride to some members of the caravan to a nearby town last weekend.
{mosads}The mayor of Zanatepec, Mexico, told the AP that town members had organized a bus and several trucks to carry migrants as far as possible, but that it was not nearly enough to facilitate transportation of the majority of the caravan, which has shrunk from its peak size of around 7,000 people, but is still several thousands in numbers.
“We are helping our brothers from other countries with food, water, and transportation,” Ramiro Nolasco told the AP. “It is going to be very little, compared to what they need.”
President Trump and Republicans have denounced the caravan and demanded Mexico’s help in turning back its members before they reach the U.S., a prospect which the president has repeatedly referred to as an “invasion” of immigrants.
The president has lashed out at the caravan numerous times on Twitter, threatening military action to stop the caravan if needed.
“Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border,” the president tweeted Monday, providing no evidence for his claim.
“Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!” he added.