Policies obsessively focused on containing migration and punishing migrants lead to death

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2023

CONTACT: 

Mynellies Negrón | +1 703 585 6727 | mynellies@communicationsshop.us

Last night, March 27, at least 39 migrants died in a detention center in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, due to a fire. Below you will find Alianza Americas’ response to this devastating incident: 

“Alianza Americas is devastated by the death of 39 people who were deprived of their liberty in a migrant detention center in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. This tragedy is Mexico’s responsibility and a result of immigration policies obsessively focused on stopping the flows of people who are desperately seeking support and protection. In addition, the dominant policies disproportionately punish migrants for simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families. No person should be deprived of their liberty for migrating. Unfortunately, U.S. policies have been adopted and implemented by Mexico,” said Oscar Chacón, executive director of Alianza Americas.

This is not the first fire at an immigration detention center. In 2020, a fire occurred in Tenosique. Mexico does not have the political will or the conditions in place to protect the life and integrity of migrants. “These events should not be repeated. We demand that administrative and public officials be held accountable for this tragedy. Mexico must end immigration detention,” added Rita Robles, coordinator of Alianza Americas in Mexico.

###

Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America. In 2022, Alianza integrated with Presente.org, establishing a stronger digital organizing powerhouse.