CHIRLA has long worked to improve conditions for immigrants who arrive in the United States, and by extension we have been witness to what they endure before they arrive at the border. For years, we have been building relationships with human rights organizations in Mexico.

In November 2018, as the phenomenon of migrant caravans from Central America gained steam, CHIRLA sent a group of staffers to Mexico City to talk with migrants about their lives in Central America, ask them about their treatment in Mexico, and give know-your-rights presentations. In December, CHIRLA sent a team to look at conditions as migrants massed at the U.S.-Mexico border. CHIRLA opened an office in Mexico City to monitor caravans and human rights issues, and that project has expanded to include two interns.

CHIRLA’s Mexico City team now provides legal services, mentorship, and material support to asylum seekers and refugees migrating to the United States. They monitor implementation of initiatives like the Migrant Protection Protocols, which have sharply limited access to asylum, and build relationships with other human rights organizations on the ground.

COVID-19 further closed the border to asylum seekers. All countries in the region restricted migration, and more migrants now remain in the Mexican southern-border town of Tapachula for months as they navigate Mexican asylum and detention. CHIRLA has extended its permanent operations to Tapachula to provide services and information to stranded migrants there.

Timeline

  • Aug 5, 2020

    2018

    In November, CHIRLA sends a team of attorneys and communicators to observe caravan conditions in Mexico City. The team follows the largest caravan to Querétaro, interviewing migrants and conducting know-your-rights presentations.

  • Aug 5, 2020

    2018

    In December, CHIRLA sends another team to the U.S.-Mexico border to observe migrant caravan conditions as Trump sends troops.

  • Aug 5, 2020

    2019

    In January, CHIRLA stations a full-time staff member in Mexico City to observe conditions migrants face as they cross the country to get to the United States.

  • Aug 5, 2020

    2019

    In November, CHIRLA sends another team to the Mexican southern border to observe conditions at Tapachula and Ciudad Hidalgo.