Migrants who arrived in Tijuana seeking asylum crossed the border into the United States in the days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, grappling with mixed emotions. For many, the crossing marked the end of a long and arduous journey, but also the beginning of an uncertain future.

From the early hours of the morning, several migrants spent the night outside El Chaparral border crossing, enduring the intense cold. Among them was Jorge Vinicio Muñoz Figueroa, a 59-year-old man from Ecuador. “I come from Ecuador, and we’ve made a tremendous effort. Our money is gone. Last night we paid for a hotel, but today we can’t afford lodging. And here we are, enduring this freezing cold in Tijuana,” he said, still in disbelief at being so close to entering the United States.

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Thanks to the solidarity of National Institute of Migration (INM) guards, Muñoz Figueroa received a blanket to help mitigate the cold. While grateful for Mexico’s support, he was also overcome with nostalgia, as the country had provided opportunities along his journey from Honduras to reach Tijuana and continue pursuing a better life in the U.S.

“We’ll stay here overnight. The agents in San Ysidro gave us some blankets to withstand the cold,” shared Muñoz Figueroa. Like many other migrants, he remains uncertain about what the future holds under the new U.S. administration.

Migrants and Their Long Journey of Sacrifices

Antony de Jesús Lemus Farfán, a Venezuelan migrant, recounted his journey through six countries and the treacherous Darién jungle to reach Tijuana. His four-month trip was fraught with countless hardships. “It was a lot of suffering, many challenges, and setbacks… extortion, dangers. But here we are, waiting for an opportunity,” he said.

Lemus Farfán and his family, who also traveled across the continent, have spent three months waiting for their appointment through CBP-One, the digital system that has enabled thousands of migrants to enter the U.S. in a more orderly manner. However, he expressed sadness for the thousands of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Honduras, who have not been able to secure appointments and fear that Trump’s administration might change the conditions for them.

“Along with joy, I feel sadness. Joy because my family will cross together, but sadness because many compatriots, many Venezuelans, and other migrants haven’t been able to get their appointments. We don’t know what will happen to them,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Migrant Crossings at El Chaparral Border

Each day, approximately 300 people cross the border at El Chaparral port of entry during three scheduled times: 5 a.m., 12 p.m., and 7 p.m. Over 12,000 migrants from 176 nationalities cross monthly in search of a better life, many with the hope of securing asylum in the United States.

However, the future for these migrants remains uncertain as Saturday, January 18, marks the end of a chapter for many. Donald Trump’s inauguration as president of the United States has raised concerns among those who have yet to cross, as they fear changes to asylum programs and the CBP-One system.

“This January 18 will likely mark the end of a chapter for many of us,” said several migrants. “Only time will tell what will happen to us.”