MEXICO CITY.- The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaumstated this Tuesday that death is “being investigated” fingers Colombian migrants attacked on November 2 in a confrontation with the National Guard on the northern border of the country.
“It is being investigated. On Tuesday, eight (days) from now, we are going to have the safety report. They made a bulletin and there the general secretary can report in detail,” said the president, during her morning press conference, without giving further details.
On November 2, the National Guard killed two Colombians while they moved in a group to trying to cross the border into the United Statesin Tecate, Baja California.
The event also left five people injuredincluding a minor.
Attack on migrants condemned
Collectives and human rights defenders condemned the attack and They demanded that the authorities clarify what happened. They also ask for the repair of the damage and the punishment of elements of the National Guard.
Given this, the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena), confirmed that the confrontation occurred last Saturday on a section of the highway towards La Rumorosa, in the vicinity of a wind farm in the northern town of Tecate.
The Mexican Army defended that the elements of the National Guard were initially attacked with firearms, so “they repelled the aggression”. They mentioned that in fact They arrested a man of Mexican nationalityunharmed, and a vehicle in which the migrants were traveling was also seized.
They separate elements who attacked migrants
He also assured that the three members of the corporation who participated in the events were temporarily separated from their duties to carry out investigations.
For its part, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia regretted the eventssent his condolences and offered his support to the family members.
The two people who died were identified as Yuli Vanessa Herrera Marulanda37 years old, injured directly in the head, and Ronaldo Andrés Quintero Scarves20 years old, who received several gunshot wounds to the head, chest, neck and shoulder.
Read: Migrants die after persecution by the Army in Chiapas
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How does the escalating violence against migrants impact their decision to undertake the journey towards the US-Mexico border?
**Title: Interview on Recent Decline in Migrant Encounters and Escalating Violence at the US-Mexico Border**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. With the recent reports indicating a sharp decline in migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border in 2024, as highlighted by Pew Research, we also have troubling news coming out of Mexico regarding violence against migrants, particularly the tragic incident involving Colombian migrants. To discuss these issues, we have with us migration expert and human rights advocate, Dr. Maria Rodriguez. Thank you for being here, Dr. Rodriguez.
**Dr. Maria Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with the decline in migrant encounters. According to the data, there has been a significant drop in the number of encounters at the border. What do you think is driving this change in 2024 compared to the record highs of 2023?
**Dr. Maria Rodriguez:** Several factors could be contributing to this decline. Firstly, it could be due to policy changes or enforcement measures implemented by both the U.S. and Mexican governments aimed at reducing irregular migration. Additionally, economic conditions in home countries, the risk of violence, and various external factors like natural disasters might also be leading people to reconsider their migration journeys. It’s crucial to look at this decline holistically.
**Interviewer:** Right. However, while we see a fall in numbers, there are alarming reports of violence against migrants, such as the incident involving the National Guard and Colombian migrants in Tecate. How do these events impact the situation for migrants attempting to cross the border?
**Dr. Maria Rodriguez:** Such incidents create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for migrants. The confrontation that led to the deaths of two Colombians and injuries to others is not an isolated event; it reflects a broader pattern of violence against vulnerable populations. When people perceive that the journey to seek safety or better opportunities is fraught with life-threatening risks, it complicates their decision to migrate. It’s imperative for both governments to address the violence and ensure the protection of human rights for all migrants.
**Interviewer:** Human rights advocates are calling for clarity and accountability in the wake of this event. What measures do you believe are necessary to protect the rights of migrants better?
**Dr. Maria Rodriguez:** First and foremost, there needs to be an independent investigation into the events that occurred to hold those responsible accountable. Additionally, both governments must enhance protections for migrants, including better training for law enforcement on humanitarian protocols. Establishing safe corridors for migrants and improving access to asylum procedures are also necessary steps to protect their rights and ensure their safety.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for your insights on these critical issues. As the situation continues to evolve, it’s vital to keep the conversations going about migrant rights and safety.
**Dr. Maria Rodriguez:** Thank you for discussing these important topics. It’s crucial that we advocate for humane treatment and protection of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. We appreciate your time and expertise.
