Migrants riot at Tapachula immigration station

A group of migrants, mostly Cubans and Venezuelans deported from the United States, staged a riot at the Siglo XXI migratory station in Tapachula, Chiapas, late Sunday. The protest escalated as the migrants demanded to be released from the facility, complaining of adverse conditions and isolation since their arrival in Mexico.

Some of the disgruntled migrants attempted to set a mattress on fire, triggering a swift response from police, the Mexican Army, and the National Guard. The significant police presence raised concerns among local residents about potential violence. The National Institute of Migration (INM) reported that the situation was brought under control without injuries to migrants, staff, or police, refuting rumors of a death.

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The migrants deported by the United States are locked up, for no reason, for up to 10 or more days, when they should be released.

As a consequence of the disturbance, two Venezuelan migrants, identified as Henderson Chopite and David Caballero, were moved to the state capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, for processing and deportation. The INM clarified that the operation to restore order did not result in any casualties.

The Siglo XXI station, known as the largest in Latin America, has a history of riots and escapes. This latest incident follows a similar protest by Venezuelan migrants in June 2022. The event reignites discussions about security in Mexican detention centers, particularly after a deadly fire in Ciudad Juárez in March 2023 that claimed at least 40 lives.

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Their families in Cuba have reported that their sons, fathers, brothers, or acquaintances are being asked for money in Tapachula, and they are forced to hire lawyers affiliated with the Migration delegation in Chiapas to negotiate large sums of money in exchange for their freedom.