Four Cubans are among the 23 migrants rescued on Friday after being reportedly abandoned by human traffickers in the municipality of Tuxtla Chico, in the state of Chiapas, on the border of Mexico with Guatemala.
During an operation conducted by federal and state authorities in Mexico, 23 undocumented foreigners were found in the Palmeras hotel -four from Cuba, 18 from Haiti, and one of Brazilian origin-, reported the Attorney General's Office (FGE) of Chiapas in a statement.
The group "in the context of mobility" was initially moved to the facilities of the Prosecutor's Office "to provide them with specialized attention and gather their statements," with the aim of "establishing the veracity of the events" and continuing with the appropriate investigation, as stated in the official communication.
According to media reports, the immigrants told authorities that they had recently crossed into Mexico via the Suchiate River and were accommodated at the hotel.
The "coyotes" ordered them to stay there for a few days before taking them to Tapachula and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, for which they each paid $1,000.
Officials explained to the newspaper La Jornada that traffickers - locally known as "polleros" - charge migrants this amount just to get them into the country. The mentioned cities are the initial points of stop, and from there they continue their journey northward to Mexico and the United States, for which they have to fork out approximately 10,000 more dollars.
The migrants, among whom there were two minors, were left to their fate at the hotel. An anonymous tip from a citizen enabled the authorities to locate the group of undocumented individuals, who were taken to the Siglo 21 Station of the National Immigration Institute (INM) to address their legal situation in the country.
So far, the authorities have not announced whether these individuals will be regularized or returned to their countries of origin.
The operation involved members of the FGE, the Army, the Navy, the National Guard, the INM, the People’s Security Secretariat, and the State Police.
Last Wednesday, federal and state forces rescued in the city of Tapachula, in the state of Chiapas, seven Cuban immigrants, including a minor, who had been kidnapped by alleged criminals demanding $10,000 for each person from their families in exchange for allowing them to continue their journey through the country.
In recent years, during which the largest migratory exodus of Cubans has been recorded, cases of extortion, kidnapping, and violence against migrants from the island traveling through Mexico have become increasingly common, as criminal gangs take advantage of their vulnerability and lack of institutional protection.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rescue of Cuban Migrants in Chiapas, Mexico
How many migrants were rescued in Chiapas and what were their nationalities?
In the operation conducted in Chiapas, 23 migrants were rescued, including four Cubans, 18 Haitians, and one Brazilian. This rescue took place in the municipality of Tuxtla Chico, near the border with Guatemala.
What events led to the rescue of Cuban migrants in Chiapas?
Cuban migrants were abandoned by human traffickers in a hotel in Chiapas after paying $1,000 to be smuggled into Mexico. An anonymous tip allowed authorities to locate and rescue the group of undocumented migrants.
What happens to migrants after being rescued in Mexico?
After being rescued, the migrants were taken to the Siglo 21 Station of the National Institute of Migration (INM) to resolve their legal situation in the country. The authorities have not indicated whether they will be regularized or sent back to their countries of origin.
What risks do Cuban migrants face when crossing Mexico?
Cuban migrants face risks of extortion, kidnapping, and violence during their journey through Mexico. Criminal gangs take advantage of their vulnerability, and migrants often have to pay large sums of money to traffickers to continue their journey to the United States.
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