INTERNATIONAL: Between uncertainty and confusion, the migrant caravan paused on Thursday 9th June to obtain temporary visas allowing them to transit throughout Mexico and continue with hopes of reaching the United States.

Several thousand migrants, set off from southern Mexico early Monday 6th June aiming to reach the United States, timing their journey to coincide with the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles this week.

Caravan organizer Luis Garcia Villagran said the group represented various nationalities of people fleeing hardship in their home countries, including many from Venezuela, Cuban and Central American citizens. They walked for several hours in the midst of intense heat, and rain.

"We are heading to the Immigration (Centre) to ask for our document to be able to travel by bus, but they told us it (the system) was collapsed, so we will continue on the march because we were told if we reach another town we could have the opportunity to get the document," said Venezuelan migrant, Daniela Celis.

The migrants, including many children, began their trip early under rainfall and fanned out across several highway lanes, with some wearing plastic ponchos and holding umbrellas.

Large caravans headed to the United States also travelled across Mexico in 2018 and 2019, mostly comprised of Central Americans, followed by smaller groups in recent years.

Record numbers of migrants last year attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.

Colombian migrant Robinson Reyes, 35, said he hoped the group would attract the attention of leaders at the summit.

"We want a future for our children ... we want to cross Mexico without any problems," he said.