Migrants stranded in Mexico: U.S. policy change overwhelms refugee offices

On January 27, approximately 1,500 migrants, mainly from Haiti and Venezuela, formed long lines outside the temporary facilities of the Mexican refugee office (COMAR) near Mexico City.

This surge follows the U.S. government's recent cancellation of the CBP One appointment system under President Donald Trump, which had previously allowed thousands of migrants to seek legal entry into the United States.

Migrants are frustrated by the U.S.'s intensified deportation policies, which reportedly include the use of military aircraft to expedite the process. The COMAR offices are struggling to manage the influx of asylum requests, processing only a small fraction of them daily.

Haitian migrant Vilson Anatol said that his opportunity to enter the U.S. is now over, and he has no choice but to remain in Mexico due to his country's political instability and the U.S.'s deportation policies. Ecuadorian Jessica Panchana, meanwhile, expressed how she risked her life and is now seeking refuge with her family as they face growing difficulties.

Venezuelan migrant Victor Sifontes highlighted that the COMAR office only serves 300 people daily, and with many people waiting, he shared information to help others avoid wasting time in line.

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