In the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, bordering Chiapas and Guatemala, the flow of illegal migrants has long been a steady stream. But under Joe Biden’s presidency, that trickle turned into a flood, with record numbers of migrants surging through the region, aiming for the U.S. border. The chaos seemed to stretch endlessly—until now. With Donald Trump poised to return to the White House, his promises of border security and tariff threats against Mexico have already begun to change the game.
Blaze Media recently ventured into the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to witness the impact of Trump’s renewed tough talk firsthand. Locals say the difference is stark. Where migrants once traveled the roads in droves, they’re now far fewer. The hustle and bustle of those on foot have been replaced by relatively quiet stretches of road, with only sporadic reports of movement. One driver noted that the last significant wave of migrants left Salina Cruz months ago, right before the election, a period that many locals recall as the beginning of the slowdown.
Migrants themselves admit that Trump’s electoral victory has sent shockwaves through their plans. Speaking from makeshift camps, several Venezuelan migrants confessed to newfound fears and anxieties about their journey north. One man lamented the uncertainty that began the moment Trump was declared president, saying the obstacles have become overwhelming. Yet, despite the difficulties, the migrants remain determined. Many hope for a change of heart from Trump, expressing a simple desire to work and provide for their families, but few seem optimistic about a warm welcome.
Even along Highway 190, a corridor once teeming with large caravans, the landscape has changed. Migrants now move in smaller groups, avoiding the optics of massive gatherings that might attract Mexican authorities. Blaze Media observed their cautious approach, but the odds are clearly stacked against them. Mexican authorities, under pressure from Trump’s impending return, have started rounding up migrants, shuttling them to shelters, and issuing ten-day deportation notices. While this might not be the sweeping deportation many conservatives would prefer, it’s a marked shift from the Biden era’s strategy of dispersing caravans to minimize headlines.
The question now is whether Mexico will sustain its newfound resolve. Under Biden, the optics mattered more than the outcomes, with authorities opting to scatter rather than deport. Trump’s messaging, however, appears to be cutting through the noise. Migrants in southern Mexico are starting to grasp that the road to the United States might not be as open as it once was. For now, they’re holding onto hope and determination, but it’s clear that the return of Trump’s no-nonsense policies has already made their journey far more complicated. Whether they stick to their plans or reconsider remains to be seen, but the winds of change are unmistakable.
