Families pushing toddlers in strollers. A group of skinny young men who say there are no jobs in their country. A young woman from Guatemala being helped by medics by the roadside, her ankle twisted and swollen after six days of walking. These are the Central American migrants Donald Trump is sending extra troops to the border to protect America from. They know Mr Trump does not like them, but many are pressing on all the same.
The economy is bad. And it is a dangerous place — there are bandits. The size of the caravan appears to be dwindling every day.
From a starting total of 10,, it is estimated the number is now somewhere between 4,, Mexican officials said nearly 1, had dropped out of the caravan to apply for asylum in Mexico. Carlos Roberto Hernandez, of Yoro province in Honduras, ended his effort to make it further north after developing a cough during the heat and evening rain. But others are ploughing on, despite the difficulty of the journey and the knowledge that while many in America may sympathise with their cause, its president does not.
The extra troops will provide what was described as logistical support to the border patrol. This would include a variety of things such as vehicles, tents and equipment. Some are also leaving due to the lack of economic opportunity in their home countries.
His increasingly vitriolic attacks in recent days at rallies across the country is no coincidence; he knows that few things energise many of his supporters than the issue of immigration.
