Immigrant ministry in Mexico denounces abuses against Central Americans

Mexico City, Mexico, Feb 20, 2008 / 16:08 pm

Father Alejandro Solalinde Guerra, coordinator of Immigrant Ministry for the Diocese of Tehuantepec, denounced military and police officials for continuing a policy of abuse towards Central American immigrants who pass through the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

In a letter sent to the local newspaper, Father Solalinde said last Saturday one of the most recent operations of repression against Central American immigrants crossing Mexico to the United States took place.  He noted that the group of immigrants was surrounded by soldiers, shortly after having been assaulted by common criminals.  “Many people were injured, and some came here between Sunday and Monday in terrible condition.  We brought some of them to the hospital and had their injuries documented,” the priest said.

“The pressure from the United States is great and the commitment to showing results in exchange for money and assistance is being made manifest in these savage operations.  If this is result of planning, it has to be Machiavellian and inhumane,” Father Solalinde asserted. 

He questioned why law enforcement has done nothing to stop those who are harassing immigrants and why the Mexican government has not responded to accusations against police officials of kidnapping and extorting immigrants.