Over 1,000 migrants, including several Venezuelans, embarked on a journey from the southern Mexican town of Tapachula towards the United States on Sunday (January 26) even after several had their appointments to seek asylum cancelled following the inauguration of Donald Trump.

Migrant Carlos Cabriles stated that he and his family had lost their plane tickets and permits granting free transit after their appointment was cancelled, leaving them with no choice but to undertake the journey by foot.

The U.S. president declared illegal immigration a national emergency and imposed a sweeping crackdown since taking office last Monday (January 20). He directed the U.S. military to help with border security, issued a broad ban on asylum and took steps to restrict citizenship for children born on U.S. soil.