In a tragic incident near the Guatemalan border, Mexican army troops shot at a truck carrying migrants, resulting in the deaths of six individuals from Egypt, Peru, and El Salvador. Ten others were injured. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the actions as “deplorable” and indicated an investigation is underway. Calls for accountability have arisen amidst concerns about the militarization of immigration policies in Mexico.
Mexican army troops opened fire on a truck transporting migrants from various nations, resulting in the deaths of six individuals from Egypt, Peru, and El Salvador. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the incident as “deplorable”. Ten additional migrants sustained injuries during this tragic event. Despite the confirmed fatalities, specific numbers regarding the deceased migrants from each country have not been disclosed, and Mexico’s foreign relations department lacks immediate information on the matter. Peru’s Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the death of one of its nationals and is calling for an urgent investigation. Sheinbaum stated that the two soldiers responsible for the shooting on her first day in office have been handed over to civilian prosecutors for questioning, although they have not yet faced charges. This incident marks the most severe instance of migrant killings by authorities in Mexico since 2021. She noted that an investigation will assess whether any commanding officers will face repercussions, emphasizing that “a situation like this cannot be repeated.” However, further discussions later that day at a ceremonial event in Mexico City did not address the tragic shootings, as Sheinbaum assured the military of her support. Allegedly occurring near the town of Huixtla in Chiapas, Mexico, the incident involved a convoy of three trucks where soldiers claimed they heard gunfire prior to the confrontation. In an unclear account provided by the Defense Department, it was stated that one truck in the convoy sped away, prompting soldiers to discharge their weapons at another vehicle, which was also carrying migrants from Nepal, Cuba, India, and Pakistan, among other countries. Local prosecutors confirmed that the victims died from gunshot wounds, yet the Defense Department did not clarify if these injuries were inflicted by army fire, nor did Sheinbaum confirm the presence of any weapons in the migrants’ truck. Of the total 33 migrants in the vehicle, 17 were unharmed. Migrants’ rights advocate Irineo Mujica expressed skepticism regarding whether the migrants or their smugglers had opened fire, claiming such actions would be counterproductive to their objectives. The Mexican Council of Bishops characterized the incident as a “disproportionate use of lethal force” and attributed it to the militarization of immigration policies and increased military presence along the southern border. If the deaths resulted from army fire, it could pose a significant challenge for President Sheinbaum, who has continued the trend established by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in granting the military expanded authority in law enforcement and other sectors.
The recent shooting incident involving Mexican army troops and a truck carrying migrants highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding migration enforcement in Mexico. The border region, particularly Chiapas, is a known pathway for migrants from various countries, and the presence of drug cartels often complicates the situation, leading to violent confrontations. The military’s involvement in law enforcement has increased as previous administrations sought to address drug-related violence and migrant smuggling, but such approaches have raised concerns regarding human rights violations and excessive use of force. This incident brings to light the urgent need for accountability and reform regarding the treatment of migrants in transit through Mexico.
The shooting near the Guatemalan border serves as a grim reminder of the dangers migrants face, not only from criminal organizations but also from state authorities tasked with their protection. Calls for investigations and accountability underscore the growing concerns regarding the militarization of migration policies in Mexico. As the nation grapples with these complex issues, the fate of the soldiers involved and the response of President Sheinbaum will be closely scrutinized, as it has wider implications for the treatment of migrants and the humanitarian challenges along the southern border.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
