US President Donald Trump fulfilled one of his major campaign pledges within a day, approving the initial deportations of migrants.
It has been two weeks since the president's return to the White House and the signing of executive orders, during which more than 4,745 individuals have been deported. Furthermore, there have been approximately 8,000 arrests made across the United States.
The President has stated that his administration is opposed to undocumented immigration, in order to prioritize those who enter the country through lawful channels.
Illegal immigration is not a recent concern. Nearly 3 million migrants were deported under Obama, 2 million under George W. Bush, and 1.19 million during Trump's four years as president.
It is estimated that around 11 million people reside in the US without proper documentation, out of a total population of approximately 340 million, as per the American Community Survey.
There is a state of turmoil at the border between the United States and Mexico.
Beyond those who have been deported, there has been chaos at the border. Mexico has deployed 10,000 troops to the area. The US has also sent in its military.
The border wall has been fortified with even more barbed wire, leaving thousands of migrants who aspire to enter the United States in a state of uncertainty about their legal status with no clear resolution in sight.
"They're at a loss. A lot of people are in a state of uncertainty because they lack immigration documents, have no money, are without jobs, and are unfamiliar with the city," said Gladys Cañas, president of the Asociación Ayúdanos a Triunfar, which provides humanitarian aid to migrants at the border in Tamaulipas.
Even in the midst of desperation, hope remains alive, and thousands of people gather on the other side of the wall, driven by the dream of gaining access to the United States.
"Please do not put your lives in danger," Cañas advises a group planning to swim across the Rio Bravo river, which separates the two countries, where at least 1,107 migrants have drowned since 2017.
'Their frustration keeps growing'
"People's sadness, despair, and frustration are increasing continuously." Cañas said to Euronews, adding that she saw the suffering of individuals who have lost their daily routine and no longer know what to do.
The only thing that is clear to them, she explained, is that they need to improve their future, a goal that is unattainable in their home countries.
With a weary tone and tears in his eyes, a young undocumented immigrant tells us at the border that he will "fight as long as I can, until another door or window opens, and I can find work in the US".
He is not the only one who refuses to give up on his dream of entering the country. "I would like to work here, live here... buy a house to live here", says another individual.
Their optimistic visions are in stark contrast to the harsh realities of disillusionment.
"Every day, you hear heartbreaking pleas and people crying. The situation they're facing at this border crossing in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, is one of tears and desperation... They don't really have a plan B," Cañas explained.
Canas now dedicates her life to assisting people and organizes the distribution of supplies and humanitarian aid. "We provide them with food, water, toiletries, blankets, and any other essential items to help them maintain dignity at international border crossings."