On behalf of the Mexican government, the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs reaffirm their commitment to joint efforts to better address migration in our region. 

Mexico's migration policy is a sovereign one, through which it seeks to ensure legal, safe and orderly migration with full respect for people's rights.  Under no circumstance does the Mexican government promote irregular migration.

In this context, the Mexican government believes the “Via Crucis" migrant caravan is a public demonstration that seeks to call attention to migration and the importance of respecting the rights of Central American migrants who in many cases are forced to leave their countries in search of better opportunities or with the intention of getting international refugee status and protection.

The caravan has taken place every year at this time since 2010 and consists mainly of migrants from Central America's Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador) who entered national territory without complying with the law.  Therefore, those taking part in this demonstration are subject to an immigration-related administrative procedure and about 400 have been repatriated to their home countries in strict adherence to the law and with full respect for their human rights. 

Also, in contrast to previous years, this year Mexican immigration officials have proceeded under the corresponding legislation to offer refugee status for eligible cases in addition to taking additional protective measures as per national law. 

As with any public demonstration, Mexican officials are ensuring the safety and protecting the dignity and human rights of the members of the caravan, while endeavoring to minimize the caravan's effect on traffic along its route. 

The Mexican government notes that as per Article 47 of the Law on Migration, all citizens and foreigners who decide to leave Mexican territory must do so solely at designated international transit points for individuals and they must also comply with the entry requirements established by the country they want to enter.

It is not the responsibility of the Mexican government to make immigration decisions for the United States or any other nation; the appropriate U.S. authorities will decide, if necessary, whether or not to authorize entrance into their territory at the authorized ports of entry and exit for any members of the caravan that request it. 

As in previous years, beginning on March 25, the Interior Ministry, on behalf of the Mexican government and through the U.S. embassy in Mexico City, has kept the United States government fully informed about the caravan's progress.

Mexico takes a very active role in international mechanisms such as the Regional Conference on Migration (in which our country, Central American nations and the United States participate, among others) in order to better address the issue of migration, while engaging in a close dialogue with the Northern Triangle and U.S. governments to establish cooperation mechanisms for migration and security matters, promote development and address the causes of emigration.