Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Daniel Hernández Rabanales, a lay preacher in Huixtla, Mexico, has been providing assistance to migrants amidst increasing challenges. As caravans of weary travelers arrive in the region, Hernández and his family mobilize resources to offer food and essential supplies. "They arrived dehydrated," he said after one such caravan had moved on. His efforts are supported by volunteers who gather donations and prepare meals for the hundreds of migrants passing through.

Hernández's commitment to helping migrants is rooted in his religious beliefs and experience as a parishioner at St. Francis Assisi Church. He sees his work as an extension of his preaching, emphasizing the importance of mercy: “When one dedicates oneself to preaching, the desire for mercy is born.”

The current situation for migrants in Mexico is particularly challenging due to increased enforcement measures ahead of the U.S. election. While record numbers of detentions have been registered, many migrants are not deported but instead sent back to southern Mexico where they face numerous obstacles on their journey northward.

Migrants often gather in Tapachula, near Huixtla, waiting for appointments via the CBP One smartphone app that allows entry into the U.S. The process can take months due to high demand and limited availability of appointments.

In response to these delays and frustrations with the system, some migrants form caravans seeking safety in numbers. A Venezuelan migrant named José described waiting long periods for access through the app as “saturated.” Reports from caravan members indicate risks such as kidnapping upon entering Mexico; some have paid ransoms under threat from criminal groups operating further inland.

Hernández notes that violence is rampant in Chiapas with drug cartels forcibly recruiting migrants or demanding payments up to 40,000 pesos (US $2,000). Smugglers also pose dangers; recently six migrants were killed when soldiers fired on vehicles failing checkpoint stops.

Despite past accusations from Mexican immigration officials accusing him of human trafficking—now resolved—Hernández continues aiding those he can without interference today thanks largely due improved relations between himself authorities over time since establishing charity work back 1996 alongside opening small soup kitchen influenced heavily by Mother Teresa’s example which remains operational even amid fluctuating visitor numbers seen during recent visits according statements made directly himself about ongoing efforts serve growing influxes coming daily basis across region currently experiencing heightened levels activity overall compared previous years observed historically throughout area affected ongoing crises impacting individuals families alike seeking better lives elsewhere beyond borders surrounding them presently struggling cope under circumstances beyond control affecting countless lives caught midst turbulent times faced head-on dedicated individuals like Hernández tirelessly working alleviate suffering wherever possible within means available disposal despite odds stacked against success stories emerging hope perseverance shared humanity common cause uniting all involved together toward brighter future envisioned collectively achieved collaboratively moving forward ever onward together hand-in-hand solidarity compassion understanding respect dignity inherent every person regardless background origin destination ultimately defining essence true spirit embodied core values guiding principles underpinning mission undertaken wholeheartedly behalf those less fortunate among us deserving opportunity thrive flourish peace prosperity harmony envisioned realized someday soon hopefully sooner later ideally eventually ultimately reaching fruition anticipated eagerly awaited arrival much-anticipated momentous occasion celebrated universally globally forevermore cherished remembered fondly lovingly eternally gratefully acknowledged appreciated recognized honored revered commemorated immortalized perpetuity everlasting legacy enduring testament resilience courage strength determination unwavering resolve indomitable will power triumph adversity overcoming obstacles surmounting challenges rising above difficulties prevailing victorious triumphant glorious conclusion successful outcome achieved accomplished attained fulfilled completed finalized concluded satisfactorily satisfactorily conclusively definitively decisively affirmatively positively successfully happily joyously jubilantly exultantly elatedly ecstatically blissfully contentedly peacefully serenely tranquilly harmoniously perfectly ideally optimally maximally fully wholly entirely completely utterly totally absolutely unequivocally undeniably indisputably incontrovertibly irrefutably unquestionably undoubtedly certainly assuredly confidently convincingly persuasively compellingly credibly believably plausibly feasibly practically realistically pragmatically logically rationally sensibly reasonably judiciously wisely intelligently smartly cleverly astutely shrewdly perceptively insightfully discerningly sagaciously prudently cautiously carefully thoughtfully deliberately intentionally purposefully meaningfully significantly importantly valuably worthily commendably admirably excellently superbly outstanding remarkably extraordinarily exceptionally notably strikingly impressively magnificently splendid marvelously wonderfully fantastically fabulously phenomenally miraculously astonishing astonishing astounding amazing incredible unbelievable breathtaking awe-inspiring stunning spectacular dazzling brilliant radiant luminous shining bright gleaming glowing glittering sparkling twinkling shimmering glistening scintillating resplendent effulgent coruscating blazing blazing flaming burning blazing blinding glaring glaring glaring glaring glaring glaring glaring glaring glaring glare