Mexico escalates immigration raids to stem flow of Central American migrants

 

Mexico has stepped up immigration raids – hauling hundreds of people off trains in recent weeks – to stem an increase in Central American migrants heading for the United States since Joe Biden took office, according to advocates and data from immigration authorities. The crackdown by immigration agents backed by the military and police marks an escalation of Mexico’s efforts to control migration. While Mexico has welcomed Biden’s pledge to tackle the root causes of migration from Central America, it is concerned that the new administration’s efforts to make it easier for people to claim asylum in the United States is encouraging migration and putting a burden on Mexico. About 1,200 migrants from Central America – including more than 300 children – were swept up in raids between 25 January and 16 February along train routes in six southern and central Mexican states, as well as in the capital, according to Mexico’s immigration agency. More than 800 migrants were also detained while traveling northward in buses or tractor trailers in recent weeks, according to figures from immigration authorities tallied by Reuters...MORE