In a press conference on Monday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador revealed a staggering influx of migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, with approximately 10,000 individuals arriving daily last week. This surge adds to the already record-breaking numbers of people making their way northward across the continent.

Lopez Obrador highlighted that, of this influx, around 6,000 people are entering southern Mexico daily, further contributing to the escalating situation. Throughout his regular morning press conference, the President stressed the urgency of addressing the root causes fuelling this migration phenomenon. He specifically pointed to the pressing need for job opportunities and improved living conditions as crucial factors that must be tackled.

The month of September witnessed a concerning trend, with the number of migrants encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border poised to reach or exceed previous monthly highs. In response to these escalating numbers, Lopez Obrador called for a collaborative effort among officials to find long-term solutions.

“What we need is to build bridges of understanding and collaboration so that people are not forced to migrate,” the President stated. Ahead of an upcoming meeting with foreign ministers from Latin American countries and U.S. officials, he emphasized the importance of a joint approach to address the complex issues prompting mass migration.

During the press conference, Lopez Obrador also expressed his sorrow over a tragic incident in southern Mexico. Ten Cuban migrants lost their lives in a traffic accident in the state of Chiapas on Sunday. This unfortunate event underscores the dangers and hardships faced by migrants on their journey.