Mexican Catholic Church denounces alleged arbitrary migrant detentions in Mexico City

The Catholic Church in Mexico has taken a strong stance against what it describes as arbitrary detentions targeting migrants within Mexico City. In a powerful editorial published in the weekly 'Desde la fe,' the Archdiocese of Mexico has voiced grave concerns, citing direct and verified testimonies of migrants being apprehended. These actions, allegedly carried out by vehicles bearing official government logos, are seen as a violation of human dignity and a betrayal of Mexico's commitments to vulnerable populations.

What is particularly alarming, according to the Church's Pastoral Ministry for Human Mobility, is that these operations appear to disregard due process. Migrants, including those with pending asylum claims or already recognized refugee status, are reportedly being detained without clear identification of agents or proper legal authorization. This practice directly contradicts the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international refugee law that Mexico has ratified, and raises serious questions about the government's adherence to its own legal framework.

From our perspective here in Mexico, this situation is deeply troubling. While international media often focuses on the pressures Mexico faces due to migration flows from the south and the influence of U.S. policies, the internal treatment of migrants within our own borders deserves critical attention. The Church's intervention highlights a disconnect between stated national values of solidarity and the reality on the ground for many seeking refuge. We urge the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) and the National Institute of Migration (INM) to immediately cease these operations and to ensure all actions are conducted within the bounds of the law. The National Human Rights Commission and its Mexico City counterpart are called upon to investigate these alleged violations and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their migratory status.