In the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, which neighbors Chiapas and Guatemala, the migrant situation has been a long-standing issue. However, under Joe Biden’s presidency, the trickle of illegal migrants ballooned into a full-blown flood. Waves of people surged through the region, making their way toward the U.S. border, emboldened by lax enforcement and a lack of meaningful deterrents. That chaotic stream, however, is showing signs of slowing. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House imminent, his no-nonsense rhetoric on border security and threats of tariffs against Mexico appear to be having an immediate, chilling effect.
Blaze Media recently reported from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where the impact of Trump’s tough stance is already being felt. Locals describe a dramatic shift in the landscape. Once crowded roads are now eerily quiet, with far fewer migrants trekking through. A driver recalled the last major wave leaving Salina Cruz just before the election, marking the start of a noticeable decline. The bustling activity of recent years has been replaced by a calmer, albeit uncertain, atmosphere.
The migrants themselves acknowledge the growing challenges. Many, particularly those from Venezuela, shared their frustrations and fears about what lies ahead. Since Trump’s victory, they’ve noticed a significant tightening of the screws, with Mexican authorities ramping up enforcement. One man in a makeshift camp admitted that the journey had become far more perilous, describing the uncertainty and heightened obstacles that began with Trump’s election. Still, their determination hasn’t entirely waned. Many express a desire to work and build a better life, though few hold out much hope that the new administration will offer a sympathetic ear.
Highway 190, once the scene of massive caravans drawing media attention, now sees smaller, scattered groups of migrants trying to stay under the radar. Mexican authorities, spurred by Trump’s incoming administration, have begun rounding up migrants more aggressively. Many are being transported to shelters and handed ten-day notices to leave the country. While this approach might not satisfy every critic, it’s a significant departure from the Biden administration’s strategy of dispersing caravans to avoid bad optics. The shift signals a return to accountability—or at least a move in that direction.
The bigger question is whether Mexico will sustain this momentum. During Biden’s tenure, efforts to address migration often seemed more focused on managing headlines than achieving real results. In contrast, Trump’s hardline messaging is cutting through the complacency, making it clear that the era of open borders is over. Migrants in southern Mexico are beginning to realize that their path to the U.S. is becoming increasingly treacherous. Whether they choose to persist or abandon their plans remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the days of unimpeded migration are coming to an end. The winds of change, driven by Trump’s impending return, are already reshaping the landscape.
