Mexican authorities on Thursday adopted tougher measures against Central American migrants, detaining 800 of them who had entered Mexico illegally from Guatemala intending to reach the border with the United States.
Michelle Hennessy reports.
Mexican security forces detain 800 migrants
Mexico's cracking down on migrants entering the country illegally.
As a new wave of people crossing its border with Guatemala is a test of the government's resolve.
On Thursday (January 23), 800 Central American migrants were detained after crossing the border.
Security forces with riot shields were deployed and authorities said they were still searching for another 200 migrants who remained in the area.
Many of the migrants heading north say they're fleeing violence and economic hardship back home.
Women and children make up a significant portion of this migrant group bound for the United States, in search of a better life.
As tensions spilled over, one migrant collapsed under the intense sunlight.
The current wave is the largest surge of people to test Mexico.
Since its president made various agreements with the U.S. to reduce the number of migrants arriving on their border.
U.S. President Trump has threatened to punish Mexico and other Central American nations if they fail to address the issue.