In pics: Migrant caravan leaves southern Mexico days after Texas tragedy

About 3,000 mostly Central American migrants advanced slowly on Friday along a highway near Mexico's border with Guatemala after some rejected overtures from immigration agents to stop, preferring instead to take their chances on the northern trek.

The caravan made up of mostly of women and children arrived earlier in the day in the town of Acacoyagua, advancing 24 miles from a previous stop in another southern Mexican hamlet, just beyond the border city of Tapachula, where the migrants began their journey.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-migrant-caravan-in-mexico-pushes-past-blockade-to-head-north-423467">New migrant caravan in Mexico pushes past blockade to head north</a>

Migrants advocate Irineo Mujica, one of the caravan's leaders, said migrants mostly rejected the offer of so-called humanitarian visas from the agents in exchange for ending their journey. The migrants also would have had to report to government shelters and consent to be moved to other states, Mujica said.

He added that many were distrustful of the migration officials due to what he described as broken promises in the past, as well as some arrests and deportations.

The humanitarian visas would have temporarily regularised the migrants&nbsp;legal status in Mexico while granting them access to public services like healthcare, as well as the ability to work.

A press officer with the national migration institute said he could not provide any information on negotiations over the visas.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mexico-border-arrests-reach-record-highs-reveals-report-423367">US-Mexico border: Arrests reach record highs, reveals report</a>

It remains unclear if the Mexican authorities will seek to break up the caravan. Previous caravans have faced off with migration agents and soldiers who have increasingly used tough tactics to stem the tide of fleeing migrants, many of whom want to escape violent gangs and grinding joblessness back home. Others are seeking asylum protections.

The Mexican government is under pressure from US&nbsp;authorities to help reduce the flow and has deployed thousands of police and national guard soldiers to do so in recent months.

About 3,000 mostly Central American migrants advanced slowly on Friday along a highway near Mexico's border with Guatemala after some rejected overtures from immigration agents to stop, preferring instead to take their chances on the northern trek.

About 3,000 mostly Central American migrants advanced slowly on Friday along a highway near Mexico's border with Guatemala after some rejected overtures from immigration agents to stop, preferring instead to take their chances on the northern trek. The caravan made up of mostly of women and children arrived earlier in the day in the town of Acacoyagua, advancing 24 miles from a previous stop in another southern Mexican hamlet, just beyond the border city of Tapachula, where the migrants began their journey. Also Read | New migrant caravan in Mexico pushes past blockade to head north Migrants advocate Irineo Mujica, one of the caravan's leaders, said migrants mostly rejected the offer of so-called humanitarian visas from the agents in exchange for ending their journey. The migrants also would have had to report to government shelters and consent to be moved to other states, Mujica said. He added that many were distrustful of the migration officials due to what he described as broken promises in the past, as well as some arrests and deportations. The humanitarian visas would have temporarily regularised the migrants legal status in Mexico while granting them access to public services like healthcare, as well as the ability to work. A press officer with the national migration institute said he could not provide any information on negotiations over the visas. Also Read | US-Mexico border: Arrests reach record highs, reveals report It remains unclear if the Mexican authorities will seek to break up the caravan. Previous caravans have faced off with migration agents and soldiers who have increasingly used tough tactics to stem the tide of fleeing migrants, many of whom want to escape violent gangs and grinding joblessness back home. Others are seeking asylum protections. The Mexican government is under pressure from US authorities to help reduce the flow and has deployed thousands of police and national guard soldiers to do so in recent months.

Migrant caravan advances slowly in southern Mexico, some reject visas

Mexican troops blocked some 1,500 Central American migrants from entering the country from Guatemala, scuffling with them and thwarting their hoped-for trek to the US and a better life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deports-mexicans-far-from-border-may-send-others-to-guatemala-269267">US deports Mexicans far from border, may send others to Guatemala</a>

One National Guard soldier standing guard at a bridge that is a major crossing point and speaking over a bullhorn told the travellers they could not enter without a visa or migration document, and that sneaking in was dangerous.

"Do not expose yourself to people traffickers. Your life is in danger," said this agent, who also told them the idea that the United States will grant them asylum is false.

Most of the migrants left last Tuesday from Honduras and had arrived Saturday morning at the bridge over the Suchiate River, which forms the border between Guatemala and Mexico to the north.

Some of the migrants insisted on getting in but others in groups of 20 or so turned around and headed back to migration holding facilities on the Guatemalan side of the frontier.

Watch:&nbsp;More than 60,000 people are missing amid Mexico's drug war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/more-than-60000-people-are-missing-amid-mexicos-drug-war-272711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Mexico had beefed up its forces at the border crossing as it anticipated the arrival of a caravan of some 3,000 people mainly from Honduras and El Salvador.</div>

On Friday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador offered 4,000 jobs to members of the caravan in an attempt to dissuade them from travelling on to the United States.

Mexico has come under pressure from US President Donald Trump to slow a surge of undocumented migrants who arrived at the US-Mexican border last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduran-migrants-prepare-new-us-bound-caravan-274465">Honduran migrants prepare new US-bound caravan</a>

Trump threatened in May to impose tariffs on Mexico if the government did not do more to stop them.

Cornered, Lopez Obrador's administration deployed 27,000 National Guardsmen to tighten its borders.

He has also allowed the United States to send more than 40,000 asylum-seekers back to Mexico while their cases are processed, under the so-called "Remain in Mexico" policy.

Human Rights Watch accused Mexico Tuesday of violating migrants' rights by failing to guarantee the security of those returned by the United States and detaining others in "inhumane conditions."

Tens of thousands of Central American migrants crossed Mexico toward the US last year in large caravans, fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence and seeking safety in numbers from the dangers of the journey.

That prompted Trump to warn of an "invasion" and deploy nearly 6,000 US troops to the border.

Mexican troops blocked some 1,500 Central American migrants from entering the country from Guatemala, scuffling with them and thwarting their hoped-for trek to the US and a better life.

Mexican troops blocked some 1,500 Central American migrants from entering the country from Guatemala, scuffling with them and thwarting their hoped-for trek to the US and a better life. Also read: US deports Mexicans far from border, may send others to Guatemala One National Guard soldier standing guard at a bridge that is a major crossing point and speaking over a bullhorn told the travellers they could not enter without a visa or migration document, and that sneaking in was dangerous. "Do not expose yourself to people traffickers. Your life is in danger," said this agent, who also told them the idea that the United States will grant them asylum is false. Most of the migrants left last Tuesday from Honduras and had arrived Saturday morning at the bridge over the Suchiate River, which forms the border between Guatemala and Mexico to the north. Some of the migrants insisted on getting in but others in groups of 20 or so turned around and headed back to migration holding facilities on the Guatemalan side of the frontier. Watch: More than 60,000 people are missing amid Mexico's drug war Mexico had beefed up its forces at the border crossing as it anticipated the arrival of a caravan of some 3,000 people mainly from Honduras and El Salvador. On Friday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador offered 4,000 jobs to members of the caravan in an attempt to dissuade them from travelling on to the United States. Mexico has come under pressure from US President Donald Trump to slow a surge of undocumented migrants who arrived at the US-Mexican border last year. Also read: Honduran migrants prepare new US-bound caravan Trump threatened in May to impose tariffs on Mexico if the government did not do more to stop them. Cornered, Lopez Obrador's administration deployed 27,000 National Guardsmen to tighten its borders. He has also allowed the United States to send more than 40,000 asylum-seekers back to Mexico while their cases are processed, under the so-called "Remain in Mexico" policy. Human Rights Watch accused Mexico Tuesday of violating migrants' rights by failing to guarantee the security of those returned by the United States and detaining others in "inhumane conditions." Tens of thousands of Central American migrants crossed Mexico toward the US last year in large caravans, fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence and seeking safety in numbers from the dangers of the journey. That prompted Trump to warn of an "invasion" and deploy nearly 6,000 US troops to the border.

Mexican troops block US-bound caravan travellers

Hundreds of mostly Central American migrants poured into a new shelter on Friday as bus loads fled a filthy, flooded sports complex on the eve of a presidential inauguration in Mexico that could recast the border crisis with US President Donald Trump.

Earlier in the day, streams of migrants laden with heavy backpacks, tents and blankets, much of it soaking wet, loaded buses leaving their original migrants shelter within sight of the border.

Helicopters swooped down nearby a few times and lines of people formed quickly when bottles of water were passed out. Diapers and milk for children were also distributed.

For those among the at least 6,000 migrants who have descended upon the Mexican border city of Tijuana, just south of San Diego on the US side, the move to a former outdoor concert venue after torrential rains a day earlier reduced the old shelter to a muddy, smelly mess was a welcome relief.

"Here it`s better," said Victor Manuel Argeta.&nbsp;

The 44-year-old native of Usulutan, El Salvador, spoke alongside his wife and two children as he surveyed the limited indoor space while many other caravan migrants set up simple camps in an open square in the middle of the property.

"It`s dry. We have a dry blanket. They gave us mattresses, too," said Argeta.

He said he joined the caravan to find better job prospects in the United States.&nbsp;

Many of the migrants who made the trek to the East Tijuana property, some 7 miles (11 km) from the border, appeared thankful to be out of the muck even if most will sleep on thin mattresses on a cold, hard floor.

Jorge Alberto Lobo, 21, also from El Salvador, was eager to leave the old shelter as he packed up his few belongings.

"I have the dream, I think we all had it, to get to the other side, to the United States," he said, but quickly adding that if he does not make it he will likely stay put in Mexico and look for work.

`RESPECT`

On Saturday, Mexico`s leftist president-elect, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will take the oath of office in the capital as he seeks to make good on campaign promises to alienate poverty and inequality, in part to help stem the flow of Mexico`s own migrants.

The former mayor of Mexico City has welcomed the caravan migrants in speeches, pledging to offer work visas and even jobs building a major train line he has proposed.

The day before his inauguration, Lopez Obrador was resting with friends at this ranch in southern Chiapas state, near the border with Guatemala, and reaffirmed his support for the migrants.

"Progressive, democratic governments respect migrants, respect the right all of us have as human beings to search out a better life. It`s the most important human right," he said in a video posted on Twitter.

He made a point of reflecting on the history of migrants north of the border.

"The United States is a country that became a powerhouse because of the work, effort and intelligence of migrants," he said.&nbsp;

Trump, conversely, has dubbed the migrants an invading force that must be stopped, even threatening to shut the US border if Mexico does not deport those gathered in Tijuana.

To date, Mexican officials have ignored the threat.

Hundreds of mostly Central American migrants poured into a new shelter on Friday as bus loads fled a filthy, flooded sports complex on the eve of a presidential inauguration in Mexico that could recast the border crisis with US President Donald Trump.

Hundreds of mostly Central American migrants poured into a new shelter on Friday as bus loads fled a filthy, flooded sports complex on the eve of a presidential inauguration in Mexico that could recast the border crisis with US President Donald Trump. Earlier in the day, streams of migrants laden with heavy backpacks, tents and blankets, much of it soaking wet, loaded buses leaving their original migrants shelter within sight of the border. Helicopters swooped down nearby a few times and lines of people formed quickly when bottles of water were passed out. Diapers and milk for children were also distributed. For those among the at least 6,000 migrants who have descended upon the Mexican border city of Tijuana, just south of San Diego on the US side, the move to a former outdoor concert venue after torrential rains a day earlier reduced the old shelter to a muddy, smelly mess was a welcome relief. "Here it`s better," said Victor Manuel Argeta. The 44-year-old native of Usulutan, El Salvador, spoke alongside his wife and two children as he surveyed the limited indoor space while many other caravan migrants set up simple camps in an open square in the middle of the property. "It`s dry. We have a dry blanket. They gave us mattresses, too," said Argeta. He said he joined the caravan to find better job prospects in the United States. Many of the migrants who made the trek to the East Tijuana property, some 7 miles (11 km) from the border, appeared thankful to be out of the muck even if most will sleep on thin mattresses on a cold, hard floor. Jorge Alberto Lobo, 21, also from El Salvador, was eager to leave the old shelter as he packed up his few belongings. "I have the dream, I think we all had it, to get to the other side, to the United States," he said, but quickly adding that if he does not make it he will likely stay put in Mexico and look for work. `RESPECT` On Saturday, Mexico`s leftist president-elect, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will take the oath of office in the capital as he seeks to make good on campaign promises to alienate poverty and inequality, in part to help stem the flow of Mexico`s own migrants. The former mayor of Mexico City has welcomed the caravan migrants in speeches, pledging to offer work visas and even jobs building a major train line he has proposed. The day before his inauguration, Lopez Obrador was resting with friends at this ranch in southern Chiapas state, near the border with Guatemala, and reaffirmed his support for the migrants. "Progressive, democratic governments respect migrants, respect the right all of us have as human beings to search out a better life. It`s the most important human right," he said in a video posted on Twitter. He made a point of reflecting on the history of migrants north of the border. "The United States is a country that became a powerhouse because of the work, effort and intelligence of migrants," he said. Trump, conversely, has dubbed the migrants an invading force that must be stopped, even threatening to shut the US border if Mexico does not deport those gathered in Tijuana. To date, Mexican officials have ignored the threat.

Caravan migrants in Mexico fill new border shelter after rains force exodus

Ten Central American women taking part in the migrant caravan camped on the US-Mexican border said Thursday they were starting a hunger strike to pressure American authorities to let them apply for asylum.

"Since no one is listening to us, we've decided as a women's movement... to launch a hunger strike," said Claudia Miranda of Honduras at an improvised press conference in the border city of Tijuana.

More than 6,000 migrants who traveled to the northern Mexican city by caravan are camped out hoping to apply for asylum or sneak into the United States, fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries.

US President Donald Trump, who has called the caravan an "invasion" full of "hardened criminals" and "thugs," is seeking to overhaul asylum policy to keep applicants out pending approval.

Draped in white flags, the women tried to picket in front of the immigration offices at the border, but were blocked by a heavy police contingent.

The women are also calling on Mexican migration authorities to grant speedy humanitarian visas to migrants who want to remain in Mexico.

They did not say how long they planned to maintain their hunger strike.

After walking and hitch-hiking more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) to the US southern border, some 500 migrants tried to breach it on Sunday. They were forced back by US Border Patrol agents, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets. 
&nbsp;

Ten Central American women taking part in the migrant caravan camped on the US-Mexican border said Thursday they were starting a hunger strike to pressure American authorities to let them apply for asylum.

Ten Central American women taking part in the migrant caravan camped on the US-Mexican border said Thursday they were starting a hunger strike to pressure American authorities to let them apply for asylum. "Since no one is listening to us, we've decided as a women's movement... to launch a hunger strike," said Claudia Miranda of Honduras at an improvised press conference in the border city of Tijuana. More than 6,000 migrants who traveled to the northern Mexican city by caravan are camped out hoping to apply for asylum or sneak into the United States, fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries. US President Donald Trump, who has called the caravan an "invasion" full of "hardened criminals" and "thugs," is seeking to overhaul asylum policy to keep applicants out pending approval. Draped in white flags, the women tried to picket in front of the immigration offices at the border, but were blocked by a heavy police contingent. The women are also calling on Mexican migration authorities to grant speedy humanitarian visas to migrants who want to remain in Mexico. They did not say how long they planned to maintain their hunger strike. After walking and hitch-hiking more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) to the US southern border, some 500 migrants tried to breach it on Sunday. They were forced back by US Border Patrol agents, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Caravan migrants declare hunger strike to pressure US

Former Honduran policeman Ivan says he moved homes so many times to escape the street gangs that terrorize his Central American country that he lost count. Fearful his sons would have to join the gangs or be killed, he eventually joined thousands of Hondurans fleeing to the United States.&nbsp;

The 45-year-old, who asked to be identified only by his first name, is journeying through Mexico in a caravan of several thousand mostly Honduran migrants who are fleeing violence and poverty for a better life in the United States.

US President Donald Trump has declared the caravans an "invasion," and has sent some 5,800 troops to "harden" the border, including with barbed wire.

Ivan, fearful to tell his story, is watchful for gang tattoos or slang that might suggest fellow migrants were associated with his persecutors back home.&nbsp; 
The former policemen said the final straw in Honduras came when gang members put a gun to his 15-year-old son Yostin`s head.

They wanted Yostin and younger brother Julio, 13, to join them, threatening death if they refused, Ivan said during a break in the caravan`s northward journey at a temporary camp in a Mexico City stadium.

So when a caravan set off on October 13 from the crime-racked Honduran city of San Pedro Sula, where the family was hiding with friends, they never hesitated. Reuters was not able to independently verify their story.&nbsp;

However, their motives echo others in the caravan and are a reminder of the influence the gangs called `maras` wield across El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala despite almost 20 years of efforts to crush them.

Homicide rates have fallen in Honduras since 2016, as a consequence of initiatives that include prison reform, the creation of a specialized anti-gang security force, and increased resources for law enforcement.

In 2017 there were 42 murders per 100,000 residents in Honduras, compared to 57 per 100,000 in the prior year, according to statistics from the government and the World Bank.&nbsp;

Still, the murder rate in Honduras remains one of the highest in the world. Some international aid organizations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council operate in the country with the same precautions as in war zones, and say inhabitants face the same dangers.&nbsp;

At the US&nbsp;border barbed wire laid by soldiers deployed by Trump awaits the caravan to dissuade the migrants from crossing illegally. New rules curtailing asylum claims also increase the chances they will be deported.

A return home terrifies many, including Ivan. Removed from his job of 27 years in a police purge two years ago, he says he fears death in Honduras.&nbsp;

The purge removed more than 4,000 officers, or close to a third of what is currently a 14,000 strong force, according to Commissioner Jair Meza, spokesperson for the Honduran Security Ministry.

Ivan says the purge removed good police as well as bad while leaving the former officers exposed to revenge attacks from gangs they once pursued.

"They know us and so they hunt us down," he said.

Meza said police who were removed were subject to polygraph tests and background checks before being selected. Age and performance were other considerations.

RANDOM VIOLENCE

In Honduras, violence can strike at any time.&nbsp;

On the cocaine transit corridor to the nearby port of Puerto Cortes, San Pedro Sula was for years one of the world`s most dangerous cities. Its morgue was so full of corpses that locals said their smell permeated the streets.

On a night in late July, a family sat on the side of a highway in San Pedro Sula, a few feet from a crime scene.

Fransisca Sislavas waited stone-faced between her son, Rony, 2, and her daughter, Brittany, 4. The girl`s ankle was splattered with her father`s blood.&nbsp; Minutes earlier, Sislavas had been sitting beside her partner and their children in a taxi. She struggled to explain his death. "I don`t know. Why? How? I just don`t know," she said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"BETRAYED BY LIFE"

For some Hondurans who fail in their pursuit of the American Dream, deportation can mean an entrance into gang life.

Henry Fernando, an active member of MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, said he walked more than 3,000 miles and almost died in the desert crossing from Mexico to find his mother, who had left him for Virginia.

Quickly deported, MS-13 was the only home he found, he said, recalling the girlfriends, or "jainas", that leaders offered, serving as payment for the marijuana and crack cocaine he sold. Reuters was not able to independently verify his story.&nbsp;

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it was unable to trace Fernando`s deportation based on the information Reuters was able to provide. 
Nine years later, now 28, he has a young son, and dreams of leaving the gang. His home, visited by Reuters, was a rented room barely wider than his mattress, up a rickety ladder in the middle of a pigsty. He had moved up the MS-13 ranks, but remains mired in poverty.

Fifteen people interviewed by Reuters, either active in the gangs or in stages of reforming, described only two ways out: join an Evangelical church or death.&nbsp;

All of them said they joined the gangs as boys from broken homes in broken neighborhoods.

Ramon Bladimir Funes, 35, a member of Barrio-18 has served nearly three years in Puerto Cortes jail for robbery in jail. The overcrowded, lurid-green facility lies near the northern Honduran port.

Among the jail`s older inmates, Funes had joined Barrio-18 at 9 years old, after his mother abandoned him for the United States, he said. He only met his father at 17.

Signs of his gang years were tattooed on his arms and across his chest. Down the bridge of his nose were three tears, gang code for lost loved ones. Three of Funes` sons were killed by Barrio 18`s arch-rival MS-13.&nbsp;

"You aspire to higher ideas and a higher mindset, but you`re stuck in the problems of the street," said Funes, who regrets joining Barrio 18. "And weapons, all types, are so easy to find."&nbsp;

Former Honduran policeman Ivan says he moved homes so many times to escape the street gangs that terrorize his Central American country that he lost count. Fearful his sons would have to join the gangs or be killed, he eventually joined thousands of Hondurans fleeing to the United States.

Former Honduran policeman Ivan says he moved homes so many times to escape the street gangs that terrorize his Central American country that he lost count. Fearful his sons would have to join the gangs or be killed, he eventually joined thousands of Hondurans fleeing to the United States. The 45-year-old, who asked to be identified only by his first name, is journeying through Mexico in a caravan of several thousand mostly Honduran migrants who are fleeing violence and poverty for a better life in the United States. US President Donald Trump has declared the caravans an "invasion," and has sent some 5,800 troops to "harden" the border, including with barbed wire. Ivan, fearful to tell his story, is watchful for gang tattoos or slang that might suggest fellow migrants were associated with his persecutors back home. The former policemen said the final straw in Honduras came when gang members put a gun to his 15-year-old son Yostin`s head. They wanted Yostin and younger brother Julio, 13, to join them, threatening death if they refused, Ivan said during a break in the caravan`s northward journey at a temporary camp in a Mexico City stadium. So when a caravan set off on October 13 from the crime-racked Honduran city of San Pedro Sula, where the family was hiding with friends, they never hesitated. Reuters was not able to independently verify their story. However, their motives echo others in the caravan and are a reminder of the influence the gangs called `maras` wield across El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala despite almost 20 years of efforts to crush them. Homicide rates have fallen in Honduras since 2016, as a consequence of initiatives that include prison reform, the creation of a specialized anti-gang security force, and increased resources for law enforcement. In 2017 there were 42 murders per 100,000 residents in Honduras, compared to 57 per 100,000 in the prior year, according to statistics from the government and the World Bank. Still, the murder rate in Honduras remains one of the highest in the world. Some international aid organizations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council operate in the country with the same precautions as in war zones, and say inhabitants face the same dangers. At the US border barbed wire laid by soldiers deployed by Trump awaits the caravan to dissuade the migrants from crossing illegally. New rules curtailing asylum claims also increase the chances they will be deported. A return home terrifies many, including Ivan. Removed from his job of 27 years in a police purge two years ago, he says he fears death in Honduras. The purge removed more than 4,000 officers, or close to a third of what is currently a 14,000 strong force, according to Commissioner Jair Meza, spokesperson for the Honduran Security Ministry. Ivan says the purge removed good police as well as bad while leaving the former officers exposed to revenge attacks from gangs they once pursued. "They know us and so they hunt us down," he said. Meza said police who were removed were subject to polygraph tests and background checks before being selected. Age and performance were other considerations. RANDOM VIOLENCE In Honduras, violence can strike at any time. On the cocaine transit corridor to the nearby port of Puerto Cortes, San Pedro Sula was for years one of the world`s most dangerous cities. Its morgue was so full of corpses that locals said their smell permeated the streets. On a night in late July, a family sat on the side of a highway in San Pedro Sula, a few feet from a crime scene. Fransisca Sislavas waited stone-faced between her son, Rony, 2, and her daughter, Brittany, 4. The girl`s ankle was splattered with her father`s blood. Minutes earlier, Sislavas had been sitting beside her partner and their children in a taxi. She struggled to explain his death. "I don`t know. Why? How? I just don`t know," she said. "BETRAYED BY LIFE" For some Hondurans who fail in their pursuit of the American Dream, deportation can mean an entrance into gang life. Henry Fernando, an active member of MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, said he walked more than 3,000 miles and almost died in the desert crossing from Mexico to find his mother, who had left him for Virginia. Quickly deported, MS-13 was the only home he found, he said, recalling the girlfriends, or "jainas", that leaders offered, serving as payment for the marijuana and crack cocaine he sold. Reuters was not able to independently verify his story. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it was unable to trace Fernando`s deportation based on the information Reuters was able to provide. Nine years later, now 28, he has a young son, and dreams of leaving the gang. His home, visited by Reuters, was a rented room barely wider than his mattress, up a rickety ladder in the middle of a pigsty. He had moved up the MS-13 ranks, but remains mired in poverty. Fifteen people interviewed by Reuters, either active in the gangs or in stages of reforming, described only two ways out: join an Evangelical church or death. All of them said they joined the gangs as boys from broken homes in broken neighborhoods. Ramon Bladimir Funes, 35, a member of Barrio-18 has served nearly three years in Puerto Cortes jail for robbery in jail. The overcrowded, lurid-green facility lies near the northern Honduran port. Among the jail`s older inmates, Funes had joined Barrio-18 at 9 years old, after his mother abandoned him for the United States, he said. He only met his father at 17. Signs of his gang years were tattooed on his arms and across his chest. Down the bridge of his nose were three tears, gang code for lost loved ones. Three of Funes` sons were killed by Barrio 18`s arch-rival MS-13. "You aspire to higher ideas and a higher mindset, but you`re stuck in the problems of the street," said Funes, who regrets joining Barrio 18. "And weapons, all types, are so easy to find."

Terror of gang violence drives migrant caravans northward

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615">US military lays barbed wire at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615"> as migrant caravan approaches</a>

US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

Over 600 declared missing in California wildfire, death toll climbs to 63 As rescue operations continued on Friday as the wildfire raged in California, authorities said 631 people were listed as missing as the death toll continued to rise.

Over 600 declared missing in California wildfire, death toll climbs to 63 As rescue operations continued on Friday as the wildfire raged in California, authorities said 631 people were listed as missing as the death toll continued to rise. The number of missing in California wildfire has jumped past 600, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. Earlier the authorities had said over 300 people were missing. US imposes sanctions against Saudi officials implicated in Khashoggi's murder The United States imposed economic sanctions against seventeen Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi although it said the move to find the killers was a"good first step". ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj plunders Ireland; India enter semi-final India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20 for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland. Football friendly: Wayne Rooney says goodbye as England drub US As England fans said farewell to one of their finest, they also got a glimpse of the future as Gareth Southgate's team beat the United States 3-0 in a Wembley friendly that doubled as Wayne Rooney's tribute game. US military lays barbed wire at border as migrant caravan approaches US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

News Brief: Big news of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-sirisena-rejects-lankan-parliaments-no-confidence-motion-against-rajapaksa-177417">President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa</a>

A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence &nbsp;motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-fires-senior-advisor-criticized-by-first-lady-melania-177395">President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania</a>

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Live: PM Modi attends India-ASEAN breakfast meeting</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders participated in the 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Breakfast Summit, followed by the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/troops-on-alert-as-central-american-migrant-caravan-reaches-us-border-177415">Troops on alert as central American 'migrant caravan' reaches US border</a>

As US defence secretary Jim Mattis visited troops at the border, the so-called migrant caravan comprising of hundreds of central Americans arrived at the US southern border on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-slashed-petrol-at-rs-7728-per-litre-in-delhi-rs-8220-in-mumbai-177402">Fuel prices drop in Delhi, Mumbai as global prices continue downward spiral</a>

The fuel prices continued to decline on Thursday with price of petrol reaching Rs 77.28 per litre in Delhi, 0.15 paise lower from Wednesday.

In Mumbai, petrol is being sold at Rs 82.20 per litre after a decrease of 0.14 paise.

President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary.

President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary." President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections. Live: PM Modi attends India-ASEAN breakfast meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders participated in the 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Breakfast Summit, followed by the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on Thursday. Troops on alert as central American 'migrant caravan' reaches US border As US defence secretary Jim Mattis visited troops at the border, the so-called migrant caravan comprising of hundreds of central Americans arrived at the US southern border on Thursday. Fuel prices drop in Delhi, Mumbai as global prices continue downward spiral The fuel prices continued to decline on Thursday with price of petrol reaching Rs 77.28 per litre in Delhi, 0.15 paise lower from Wednesday. In Mumbai, petrol is being sold at Rs 82.20 per litre after a decrease of 0.14 paise.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The US-bound migrant caravan that has so thoroughly irked President Donald Trump has decided to resume its trek north after resting in Mexico City for nearly a week and failing to secure buses for the journey.

In a sports arena turned into a makeshift shelter, a vote was held Thursday mainly among male travellers and the verdict was to keep going and leave at dawn on Friday.

The group of some 5,500 people, most of them Hondurans, began arriving in the Mexican capital on Sunday.

They have been travelling since October 13, mainly on foot, and covered&nbsp;more than 940 miles (1,500 km), but are still weeks away from the US border.&nbsp;

Most of them are fleeing grinding poverty and violence from powerful street gangs.

The migrants have asked Mexican authorities to provide them with transport. On Thursday, some 200 of them demonstrated outside the local office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to press for 150 buses.

On some stretches of the trip, some of the migrants have been riding on trucks.&nbsp;

However, one person fell off and died when the group was in Chiapas state in the south.&nbsp;

Since then, Mexican police accompanying the caravan have barred the travellers from hanging off the side of such trucks.

Two other caravans with about 2,000 people each are making their way through southern Mexico.

Trump made immigration a central issue ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, using it to fire up his largely white, conservative base.&nbsp;

The vote was seen as a referendum on his presidency so far.&nbsp;

In the end, Trump's Republicans kept their majority in the Senate but lost the House of Representatives to the Democrats.

Calling the caravan a "national emergency," Trump has threatened to deploy as many as 15,000 troops to the border with Mexico. Some 4,800 had been deployed as of Monday, the Pentagon said.

The US-bound migrant caravan that has so thoroughly irked President Donald Trump has decided to resume its trek north after resting in Mexico City for nearly a week and failing to secure buses for the journey.

The US-bound migrant caravan that has so thoroughly irked President Donald Trump has decided to resume its trek north after resting in Mexico City for nearly a week and failing to secure buses for the journey. In a sports arena turned into a makeshift shelter, a vote was held Thursday mainly among male travellers and the verdict was to keep going and leave at dawn on Friday. The group of some 5,500 people, most of them Hondurans, began arriving in the Mexican capital on Sunday. They have been travelling since October 13, mainly on foot, and covered more than 940 miles (1,500 km), but are still weeks away from the US border. Most of them are fleeing grinding poverty and violence from powerful street gangs. The migrants have asked Mexican authorities to provide them with transport. On Thursday, some 200 of them demonstrated outside the local office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to press for 150 buses. On some stretches of the trip, some of the migrants have been riding on trucks. However, one person fell off and died when the group was in Chiapas state in the south. Since then, Mexican police accompanying the caravan have barred the travellers from hanging off the side of such trucks. Two other caravans with about 2,000 people each are making their way through southern Mexico. Trump made immigration a central issue ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, using it to fire up his largely white, conservative base. The vote was seen as a referendum on his presidency so far. In the end, Trump's Republicans kept their majority in the Senate but lost the House of Representatives to the Democrats. Calling the caravan a "national emergency," Trump has threatened to deploy as many as 15,000 troops to the border with Mexico. Some 4,800 had been deployed as of Monday, the Pentagon said.

Central American caravan to resume trip after rest

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country.

Ahead of US&nbsp;congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital.

President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government.

The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend. This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital. President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government. The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Caravan migrants consider staying in Mexico as Trump rachets up criticism

As the migrants bound for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-honors-migrants-at-day-of-the-dead-as-caravan-treks-north-173978">United States crossed into Guatemala </a>on Sunday, a Pentagon official said thousands more troops could be sent to the US-Mexico border to stop them.

President Trump in a tweet said that "many gang members" and some "very bad people" were part of the "caravan".

"Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process," the US president said, adding,"this is an invasion of our country and our military is waiting for you!"

In April, Trump ordered up to 4,000 national guards to head to the border as a different migrant caravan wound its way north. About 2,100 have deployed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Guatemala's government said in a statement that it regrets that the migrants didn't take the opportunity of dialogue and instead threw stones and glass bottles at police.

Mexico's interior minister Alfonso Navarrete said some of the migrants had guns while others had Molotov cocktails.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on "Fox News Sunday" said Trump was determined to use every authority he had to stop immigrants from crossing the border illegally.

"We have a crisis at the border right now ... This caravan is one iteration of that but frankly we essentially see caravans every day with these numbers," she said.

An estimated 2,300 children were travelling with the migrant caravan, UNICEF said in a statement, adding that they needed protection and access to essential services like healthcare, clean water and sanitation.

As the migrants bound for the United States crossed into Guatemala on Sunday, a Pentagon official said thousands more troops could be sent to the US-Mexico border to stop them.

As the migrants bound for the United States crossed into Guatemala on Sunday, a Pentagon official said thousands more troops could be sent to the US-Mexico border to stop them. President Trump in a tweet said that "many gang members" and some "very bad people" were part of the "caravan". "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process," the US president said, adding,"this is an invasion of our country and our military is waiting for you!" In April, Trump ordered up to 4,000 national guards to head to the border as a different migrant caravan wound its way north. About 2,100 have deployed. Guatemala's government said in a statement that it regrets that the migrants didn't take the opportunity of dialogue and instead threw stones and glass bottles at police. Mexico's interior minister Alfonso Navarrete said some of the migrants had guns while others had Molotov cocktails. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on "Fox News Sunday" said Trump was determined to use every authority he had to stop immigrants from crossing the border illegally. "We have a crisis at the border right now ... This caravan is one iteration of that but frankly we essentially see caravans every day with these numbers," she said. An estimated 2,300 children were travelling with the migrant caravan, UNICEF said in a statement, adding that they needed protection and access to essential services like healthcare, clean water and sanitation.

Gang members in caravan headed to sourthern border, it is an invasion and our military is waiting: Trump

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