U.S. troop surge to counter migrant caravan

The Pentagon says it is sending 5,200 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in response to the anticipated arrival of groups of Central American migrants travelling north towards the region

Customs agents: 15,000   National Guard: 2,100   Troops: 5,200

Southwest border force
Los Angeles 
Tijuana
UNITED STATES
El Paso 
Hermosillo
MEXICO 
Mazatlan
Guadalajara
Mexico City
McAllen, Texas
Gulf of Mexico
GUATEMALA
EL SALVADOR 
HONDURAS

500km 300 miles

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Possible migrant routes

Shortest (1,500km) but considered more dangerous

Safer route more than twice as long (3,500km)

Oct 12, San Pedro Sula Migrant caravan departs

Oct 29: Niltepec

Oct 21: Tapachula, Mexico

“March of the Migrant” Caravan consists of about 4,000 people who are aiming to escape criminal violence and poverty in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Most want to reach U.S. despite offer of refuge in Mexico



Sources: AP, CNN, Time         Picture: Associated Press         © GRAPHIC NEWS