U.S. blocking Mexican asylum seekers at multiple border crossings

CIUDAD JUAREZ, CHIHUAHUA -- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019: Mexicans seeking political asylum camp near the Bridge of the Americas international port of entry in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, on Sept. 26, 2019. In Juarez, at least 1,000 Mexican migrants were camped at three border bridges last week, according to a briefing by officials from the State Population Council. The increase of organized crime and extortion in Mexico has led to and increase in Mexicans seeking political asylum. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Mexicans seeking political asylum camp near the Bridge of the Americas in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Thursday. The bridge connects El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 30, 2019 4:41 PM PT

The Trump administration’s latest effort to halt asylum seekers has forced hundreds of Mexican families to camp at the foot of border bridges this week, waiting to cross

At least 1,000 Mexican migrants were reportedly camped at three border bridges last week. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Volunteers in Ciudad Juarez feed Mexicans seeking political asylum in the U.S. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Migrants in Ciudad Juarez. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Miguel Angel Gutierrez, right, of Emmanuel of Suarez Evangelical Ministry holds a prayer service with migrants in Ciudad Juarez. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Mexicans seeking political asylum walk toward the Bridge of the Americas to present themselves to U.S. immigration officials in Ciudad Juarez. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Mauricio Castro of Michoacan, Mexico, with his wife, Brenda Marin, and son Mauricio, 3, along with other Mexicans seeking political asylum. Castro said he and his family fled after he received threats and his home was hit with bullets. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)