Mexican authorities have launched a homicide investigation into a fire that broke out at a migrant centre in the northern city of Saltillo, which claimed the lives of at least 16 people, including minors. The fire, which broke out on March 28, 2023, caused widespread outrage and drew attention to the plight of migrants trying to reach the United States.
The Governor of Coahuila, Miguel Riquelme, said that the investigation would focus on determining whether the fire was caused by negligence or a deliberate act. The Attorney General’s office has taken over the investigation, and forensic experts have been deployed to the scene to determine the cause of the fire.
The migrant centre, which was run by a non-profit organization, housed around 50 migrants, most of whom were from Central America. According to reports, the migrants were locked in their rooms when the fire broke out, and several of them were unable to escape. The authorities have opened a shelter for the remaining survivors of the fire, while the families of the victims are demanding justice.
Mexico has become a transit country for migrants from Central America seeking to enter the United States. Human rights organizations have criticized the Mexican government for its treatment of migrants, particularly those who are seeking asylum. The fire at the Saltillo migrant centre has once again highlighted the dangers faced by migrants in Mexico.
Mexican President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised a thorough investigation. “We will not rest until we find out what happened and who is responsible for this tragic event,” he said in a statement. The President also pledged to improve conditions for migrants in Mexico and work with the United States to address the root causes of migration.
Source: Aljazeera
