Firsthand accounts of migrants reacting to changes after Trump’s inauguration

By Anyra Cano

When my colleague, Elket Rodriguez, shared the news that the CBP One application, which migrants use to schedule appointments at the U.S. ports of entry, had been canceled, my heart was overwhelmed with concern for the migrants who would be affected. I immediately reached out to some of our partners along the border, and one by one, they shared heartbreaking updates.

I know you want to check on these migrants, too, so come along with me from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico…

In Tijuana

Pastor Juvenal: “At my home, where I host migrants, there was an outcry. The shelters across the city where our ministries provide meals in the mornings were filled with people in desperation upon hearing the news.”

In Ciudad Juárez

Pastor Rosalio: On the morning of the inauguration, one migrant had an appointment at 10:00 a.m. She was able to proceed. We had others with appointments at 11:00 a.m. who were turned away, told their appointments were canceled, with no information on when—if ever—they might be rescheduled. The migrants are deeply distraught, and in just one of shelter—where we were already prepping migrants to go to their appointments—125 individuals saw their hopes shatter.  

In Piedras Negras

Pastor Israel: “Fifty-four migrants were ready for their appointments, and now their hopes have vanished. Our shelter now hosts over 100 people, and we expect that number to grow. The church will continue to serve them to the best of our ability. We had already begun construction on new bathrooms, but now that will be even more urgent. I know they will wait here, holding on to whatever hope they can, until they understand what their options are.”

In Reynosa

Pastor Edrei: “The Haitian migrants I work with are devastated. I am certain that the larger shelters will soon be overwhelmed again. This will only benefit the cartels, who prey on these vulnerable people, offering false alternatives.”

In Brownsville

Pastor Carlos: “We don’t know what will happen next. Some migrants are still in detention, and we are ready to serve them as soon as they are released. While our work will change, we will continue to serve any migrant who comes to us.”

Please join us in praying for our partners on the border, who not only provide shelter, meals, and humanitarian aid but also offer vital pastoral care. These will be long and difficult days for them, and your prayers and support are more important than ever.  We will continue to update you on ways you can pray and support their work.