QUERÉTARO, Mexico – The 22nd edition of the 2026 Winter Migrant Caravan is set to launch on December 16, providing official escort and support for Mexican families returning from the United States to spend the December holidays in Mexico.
Eric Gudiño, Secretary of Government for Querétaro, stated that this edition expects to accommodate approximately 5,000 families. Notably, 60% of these families are from Querétaro, though the caravan also serves residents from various other Mexican states.
“We provide support from all three levels of government,” Gudiño noted. “Specifically, the State Government will deploy the Citizen Security Secretariat from the border zone to Querétaro, along with state Civil Protection. Nearly all 18 municipalities will also participate with their Civil Protection areas, alongside municipal Public Security departments, the Querétaro Fire Department, the Fire Departments of Jalpan and San Juan del Río, and the National Migration Institute (INM).”
Gudiño emphasized that Querétaro is the only state in the country currently conducting this comprehensive, coordinated exercise at a national level.
Coordinated Security and Support
Javier Amaya Torres, Director General of the State Coordination of Civil Protection of Querétaro (CEPCQ), highlighted the permanent commitment of security and prevention agencies to safeguard the caravan.
“Since 2021, we have consistently participated in escorting the Migrant Caravan during both summer and winter editions. This involves coordinated work between emergency corporations, municipal Civil Protection offices, and various security institutions to provide support and strengthen safety throughout the journey,” Amaya Torres said.
As a point of reference, the 2025 winter edition saw a deployment of 45 personnel and 20 units, including state, municipal, and fire departments. That edition saw the return of approximately 5,200 vehicles and 20,000 people, with roughly 50% of the returning nationals being from Querétaro.
Registration and Cultural Activities
Juan Fernando Rocha Mier, founder and president of Migrantes Unidos en Caravana A.C., announced that pre-registration is scheduled for December 15, starting at 10:00 AM, at the La Arena parking lot.
In addition to the logistical escort, the event will feature various activities organized by the State Secretariat of Culture, including theatrical performances specifically designed for the migrant children.