Hundreds of migrants, including families with young children, risked perilous conditions to climb atop a cargo train in Mexico’s Veracruz state, seeking a brief reprieve on their journey to the U.S. border amidst heightened fears of stricter immigration policies.
Hundreds of migrants, including families with young children, scrambled to climb aboard a cargo train on Friday, November 22, as part of their journey towards Mexico’s border with the United States.
In the southern state of Veracruz, in Coatzacoalcos, adults were seen helping children to scale the train’s towering cars.
After enduring long distances on foot, travelling on the roof of the train offers weary migrants some relief. However, it comes with significant danger. Many have suffered fatal accidents or life-altering injuries such as losing limbs after falling from the moving trains.
Selena, a migrant from Colombia, spoke about the constant fear faced by those on the move.
“You always fear migration authorities more than anybody," said Selena.
"You’re hiding in pathways where you are not supposed to enter and fleeing from migration authorities. They say they are here to protect you but in reality, they are pushing you to go to very dangerous places, and that is where kidnappings and everything happens,” explained Selena.
Cairo Oropeza, a migrant from Venezuela, expressed his hope regarding the future under President-elect Donald Trump’s leadership.
“If he (President-elect Donald Trump) re-takes the presidency, we have hope there will be an exception for us Venezuelans, and he will let us stay there and receive some help from Donald Trump’s side to stay there,” said Cairo.
Johnny Alexander, a migrant from Honduras, shared his own frustration.
“I’m tired," Johnny explained. "I was deported to Monterrey (north of Mexico) and now many people recommend I arrange my papers and stay here. Maybe I will finally stay in Mexico.”
The timing of the migration is marked by the upcoming inauguration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to intensify measures against illegal immigration and tighten restrictions on legal migration. His return to the White House on January 20 is expected to revive some of the tough policies he pursued during his previous term from 2017 to 2021.
More than 700 migrants have reached Spain's Canary Islands and the coast in the past day. According to the country's interior ministry some 3 thousand irregular migrants reached the Spanish archipelago in 2025.
Up to 50 migrants are missing after a boat from West Africa to Spain was rescued by Moroccan authorities. Walking Borders had alerted officials earlier, and efforts continue to address migration challenges.
The Spanish coast guard rescued 85 migrants on Thursday, January 9, from a boat located 7 miles off the Canary Islands. The rescued individuals, identified as sub-Saharan in origin, were safely disembarked at the port of Arguineguin on Gran Canaria Island.
The Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Parliament (Jogorku Kenesh) has approved in its second reading a draft law to ratify an agreement on migration cooperation with Azerbaijan, according to a statement from Kyrgyzstan's Parliament.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Australia has accused China of failing to provide sufficient notice ahead of a live-fire naval drill between Australia and New Zealand, forcing airlines to alter flight paths. Defence Minister Richard Marles described the lack of communication as “disconcerting” for commercial aviation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating violence. Their appeal follows the capture of key cities by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
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