The city of Tapachula, Chiapas, is facing a rising wave of insecurity with an increase in kidnappings, robberies, and extortions, which has prompted Cuban immigrants stranded in the area to take extra precautions and limit their daily activities.
Local press confirmed that extortion and kidnapping against immigrants waiting in Tapachula for their travel permits to cross Mexico have increased.
At least six Cubans were kidnapped in December, and several have been missing for weeks.
The disappearance of those six Cubans last December, with no information about their whereabouts to date, has created an atmosphere of fear among migrants.
Many islanders have chosen to go out only for essentials, avoiding entertainment venues such as bars or nightclubs.
Raúl, a Cuban migrant, explained that he only goes out to work or buy food, trying to return home as quickly as possible. "I don't want to risk what has happened to other Cubans," he stated in an interview with the local Diario del Sur.
Javier, another migrant, has changed his habits for fear of violence. “When we were on the journey, they talked to us about the dangers in Mexico, one of which is kidnapping. It’s better if we don’t go out partying,” he said.
For her part, María, a Cuban migrant, noted that the situation has forced her to change her routine, limiting herself to going to the supermarket and returning directly home. “I’ve seen many things on social media. It scares me, but thank God nothing has happened to me, which is why I avoid being outside,” she stated.
So far, the authorities have not provided any information about the six missing Cubans, creating even more uncertainty within the migrant community.
But the alarming situation is not limited to the area where the immigrants are waiting, but also extends to the rural areas of Chiapas.
At least six coffee-growing communities in the highlands of Tapachula have decided to organize themselves and reactivate the Rural Auxiliary Police for their protection.
Wilmar Alonso López González, president of the town of San José de Japa, reported that insecurity has reached critical levels in areas such as La Patria, Cantón Chicharra, Ejido San Antonio, Ejido 26 de Octubre, and San José de Nejapa.
"The government has abandoned us," he emphasized.
Frequently asked questions about insecurity and kidnappings in Tapachula
Why has insecurity increased in Tapachula?
The increase in insecurity in Tapachula is mainly due to the rising activity of organized crime that exploits the vulnerability of migrants, combined with the lack of effective control by local authorities. The wave of kidnappings, robberies, and extortions has reached alarming levels, severely impacting the migrant community, especially Cubans who are waiting in the city for their travel permits.
How does the insecurity situation affect Cuban migrants in Tapachula?
Insecurity has forced Cuban migrants in Tapachula to take extra precautions, limiting their daily activities and avoiding public places to minimize risks. Many of them fear being kidnapped or extorted, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. Authorities have not provided information about the missing Cubans, increasing the distress among the migrants.
What measures are local communities in Tapachula taking to address insecurity?
Six coffee-growing communities in the highlands of Tapachula have decided to reactivate the Rural Auxiliary Police as a measure to protect themselves from the rising insecurity. This initiative aims to provide a degree of local protection in light of the lack of effective responses from government authorities.
What are the Mexican authorities doing in response to the increase in kidnappings in the region?
Up to now, authorities have not provided information regarding the kidnappings and disappearances of Cubans, which creates further uncertainty and concern among migrants. Despite some rescue operations, the issue of insecurity remains a significant challenge in the Tapachula region.
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