Six migrants from Egypt, Peru, and Honduras were killed by Mexican troops near the Guatemalan border, prompting condemnation and calls for investigation. President Claudia Sheinbaum described the event as “deplorable” as authorities look into the actions of the involved soldiers, while the incident raises concerns about military involvement in migration control.
MEXICO CITY (AP) — In a tragic incident on Tuesday, Mexican army troops opened fire on a truck carrying migrants, resulting in the deaths of six individuals from Egypt, Peru, and Honduras. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum labeled the event as “deplorable”. Three Egyptians and one each from Peru and Honduras were confirmed dead, while at least one may have been a minor. The incident left ten other migrants injured. The Peruvian Foreign Ministry has demanded an urgent investigation into the killings, highlighting the already strained relations between Peru and Mexico since a diplomatic crisis in 2022.
As the incoming president, Sheinbaum has ensured that the two soldiers responsible for the shooting have been transferred to civilian prosecutors for interrogation, although no charges have yet been filed. She stated that investigations will also assess whether any commanding officers will be held accountable, stressing that incidents like these should never be repeated. However, during a subsequent military ceremony, she did not further address the incident, asserting that there is no state of siege or human rights violations in the country while pledging wage increases for military personnel.
The shooting occurred near Tapachula in the southern state of Chiapas, a common route for migrant smuggling operations. The Defense Department indicated that soldiers felt threatened by the convoy of three trucks, which they claimed ignored stop orders and allegedly fired shots. Authorities later discovered 33 migrants in one of the trucks, which closely resembled vehicles used by criminal organizations. Local prosecutors reported that the deceased were shot, yet it remains unclear if these injuries were inflicted by the military.
Irineo Mujica, a migrant rights advocate, expressed skepticism about the soldiers’ claims, asserting, “It is really impossible that these people would have been shooting at the army.” The killings have prompted condemnation from the Roman Catholic Mexican Council of Bishops, who characterized the military’s response as “a disproportionate use of lethal force”. Sheinbaum’s administration has continued her predecessor’s policy of granting the armed forces significant legal powers, raising concerns over militarization and migrant safety. This incident marks a concerning continuation of violence against migrants, reminiscent of past tragic encounters.
The recent shooting incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding military involvement in migration control in Mexico, particularly as the country serves as a transit point for migrants from diverse countries seeking refuge or opportunities in the United States. Historically, this region has been fraught with violence linked to drug cartels and organized crime. Migrants, often vulnerable and without support, face immense dangers including exploitation and violence, exacerbated by law enforcement actions. This incident underscores the need for thoughtful policies that protect human rights and prioritize migrant safety, moving forward from previous tragedies that involved excessive military force against civilian populations.
In summary, the incident involving the fatalities of six migrants at the hands of Mexican soldiers illustrates the severe risks faced by individuals embarking on perilous journeys for better prospects. The response from government officials, coupled with ongoing scrutiny of military actions against civilians, raises important discussions on the ethical implications of militarized approaches to migration. Investigation into the shooting is crucial not only for justice but also for addressing systemic issues regarding the treatment of migrants within Mexico’s borders.
Original Source: apnews.com
