Mexico‘s southern border recorded an increase of 131.8% in irregular migration in 2023 to almost 223,000 people, more than a quarter of the total migrants detected by the Mexican Government.
Venezuela was the main country of origin of undocumented migrants detected in 2023 by the National Migration Institute (INM), which reported an annual increase of more than 77% in irregular migration, exceeding more than 782,000 people.
In addition, Venezuelans were the sixth nationality with the most requests to the Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees (Comar), with nearly 5,500 requests last year.
Tapachula, on Mexico’s border with Central America, is the town with the largest influx of Venezuelans, where the Center for Human Dignification (CDH) warns that the number of migrants from that origin could have exceeded 300,000, since the Government only counts those intercepted .
In statements to the EFE news agency, Luis Rey García Villagrán, director of the CDH, warns that the trend is growing.
“In 2022, despite a small decrease (compared to 2021), it was still much larger. We consider that a little more than 260,000 migrants of Venezuelan origin entered (through the southern border) and in 2023 the flow definitely increased,” he detailed based on estimates from the civil organization.
On the southern border, in Ciudad Hidalgo, there is a camp of between 500 and 1,000 Venezuelans with tents waiting to receive attention from the Mexican authorities.
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**Interview with Luis Rey García Villagrán, Director of the Center for Human Dignification**
**Interviewer:** Luis, thank you for joining us. You’ve mentioned a significant increase in Venezuelan migration through Mexico, particularly in the southern border area. What do you attribute this surge to?
**Luis Rey García Villagrán:** The reasons are multifaceted. Primarily, the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, which includes economic instability, political repression, and a lack of basic necessities, continues to push many to seek better lives elsewhere. The current policies in the U.S. that allow for the return of Venezuelans to Mexico have also contributed to this increase, funneling more migrants into Mexican territories.
**Interviewer:** You noted that in Tapachula, the situation is becoming critical with estimates suggesting over 300,000 Venezuelans could be present. How are local and federal authorities responding to this influx?
**Luis Rey García Villagrán:** Unfortunately, the government’s response has been inadequate. We are seeing camps forming with hundreds to thousands of migrants living in dire conditions. The Mexican government needs to implement more robust support systems, both for humanitarian aid and processing asylum requests to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
**Interviewer:** You also referenced the requests for refugee status by Venezuelans in Mexico. Why do you think this number is not higher, given the circumstances?
**Luis Rey García Villagrán:** Many Venezuelans are fearful of the bureaucratic process or have heard horror stories from others who faced difficulties in the system. Additionally, some may be trying to reach the U.S., believing that their prospects there may be better than applying for asylum in Mexico.
**Interviewer:** As public awareness grows regarding this issue, do you foresee changes in policy or public perception regarding Venezuelan migrants in Mexico?
**Luis Rey García Villagrán:** It’s crucial for civil society and media to highlight the plight of these migrants. Change often occurs when people understand the human stories behind the statistics. Policies need to shift from punitive to supportive measures that recognize the rights and dignity of these migrants.
**Interviewer:** With these ongoing trends and challenges, what do you suggest as a way forward for both Mexico and the migrants?
**Luis Rey García Villagrán:** Immediate actions should include increasing humanitarian assistance, expediting the processing of migrants and asylum requests, and fostering international cooperation to address the root causes of migration. We must ensure that migrants are treated with dignity and that their rights are upheld.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Luis. Given this situation, how do you think the public should engage with the issue of Venezuelan migration? Should there be more advocacy or awareness campaigns?
**Luis Rey García Villagrán:** Absolutely. It’s essential for communities to engage in dialogue about migration and to advocate for humane policies. The more people understand and empathize with these individuals’ struggles, the more pressure can be placed on governments to respond appropriately. How do you think the public should balance security concerns with humanitarian needs in addressing the migration crisis?
