CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — On Saturday, nearly 200 families convened along a segment of the U.S.-Mexico border for emotional, brief reunions with relatives they had been separated from for years due to living in different countries.

Cascades of tears and heartfelt embraces filled the air as Mexican families enjoyed a few fleeting moments with their loved ones who had migrated to the United States. Both adults and children navigated the waters of the Rio Grande to reunite with their family members.

This year’s gathering, organized by an immigrant rights advocacy organization, occurred just three days prior to the U.S. presidential election. The candidates’ month-long campaigns have featured significant discussion on immigration and border security. Security measures were heightened for the event; the Network in Defense of the Rights of Migrants reported increased vigilance at the border.

Fernando García, the director of the organization, reflected on the evolving conditions at the border since the reunions began over a decade ago. He noted, “We did not have barbed wire, we did not have so many soldiers deployed in our community,” emphasizing how security changes have affected these family gatherings. He also pointed out that parts of the barbed wire had to be opened to facilitate this event for families.

Looking ahead, García voiced his belief that migration to the U.S. will persist, irrespective of the election outcomes. He affirmed that family reunions would continue, stating, “Deportation policy, border policy, immigration policy is separating families in an extraordinary way and is deeply impacting these families.” He conveyed these sentiments to reporters in the lead-up to the touching event.