Rights groups are warning of the dangers faced by migrants and asylum seekers traveling through Mexico, as evidenced by a recent incident where Mexican soldiers opened fire on a truck carrying migrants, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The incident occurred near Huixtla in Chiapas, with the victims being of various nationalities including Egyptian, Nepalese, Cuban, Indian, Pakistani, and Arab.
The Mexican Ministry of Defence has stated that the two soldiers involved in the shooting have been relieved of their duties, and the case has been referred to federal prosecutors and the military tribunal. The soldiers opened fire after noticing a speeding truck evading military personnel, with the Defence Ministry noting that two additional vehicles followed the truck.
Critics argue that migrants and asylum seekers are often subjected to violence and abuse by Mexican authorities and criminal groups during their journey north. The US government has been pressuring Mexico to enhance its enforcement measures to curb irregular migration, leading to tensions between the two countries.
The Biden administration has also restricted asylum access along the US-Mexico border, drawing criticism from immigrant rights organizations. The International Organization for Migration has identified the route to the US-Mexico border as the “deadliest land route for migrants worldwide” due to various threats, including environmental dangers and criminal activities.
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