World Immigration News

Victims of fatal immigration station fire remembered

Release Date
2025-03-28
Media
Border Report
Summary
On March 27, 2023, human rights activists gathered in Juarez, Mexico, to commemorate the 40 victims of a fatal fire at an immigration station and to demand justice two years after the incident. The fire broke out when detainees burned mattresses to protest their detention, causing toxic fumes to spread throughout the building. CCTV footage showed security personnel leaving the area instead of unlocking the cell, and the building’s only fire extinguisher reportedly didn’t work. Bishop Mark J. Seitz of the El Paso Catholic Diocese stated during the vigil that migrants, fleeing for protection, should not be subjected to the death penalty, emphasizing that seeking safety is neither a sin nor a crime.
Tags
MEXICO