If you saw the Nov. 7th White House briefing, you know that President Trump continues to demonize the migrant caravan (which is made up of several groups of travelers, including families with children) and to call for a wall and further militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border.
But thanks to AFSC supporters, a more humane response is also underway – one that recognizes our shared humanity and is grounded in kindness and compassion.
Here’s a brief update:
At the Guatemala-Mexico border:
We are supporting short-term humanitarian efforts to help weary migrants, for example with shelter and transportation, and a member of our team is monitoring human rights abuses at the Guatemala-Mexico border. Our staff and volunteers have testified to the generosity of community members along the migrants’ route and have joined with them and others in preparing shelters and food.
In Mexico:
A member of our Washington, D.C., policy advocacy team is currently accompanying one of the caravans in Chiapas and doing human rights monitoring to try to help prevent violence against migrants. Additional staff, including members of AFSC’s leadership team, are traveling to the region this weekend to meet with migrants and partners.
In Tijuana and San Diego:
AFSC has a long history of monitoring abuses by border agents at the U.S.-Mexico border. Our staff continues to document abuses, support community groups, coordinate a rapid response network, and advocate for human rights as the Trump administration deploys more military personnel to the border.
In Washington, D.C.:
We are coordinating with dozens of partners, including other faith leaders, to push back on militarized enforcement policies, funding for detention, and more. We will continue to share opportunities with you and other AFSC supporters to send messages to Congress and the Trump administration and to take action as a community.
And more:
We are in the early stages of our response, taking steps to ensure we are responding to migrants’ needs and building a well-coordinated response with partners. We will continue to update you in the coming days and weeks.
If you have not yet done so, please make a special gift today to support the people of the migrant caravan who are fleeing violence and poverty.
Let’s continue to show the world what love can do.