They rescue 1,570 migrants in risk areas

Migrant protection groups, better known as Grupos Beta, rescued 1,570 migrants from some risk area of ​​the country throughout the year, the National Migration Institute (INM) announced.

The agency belonging to the Ministry of the Interior detailed that, in total, from January 1 to December 22, 2022, assistance was provided to 171,563 migrants during their entry, transit, and exit from the national territory.

Of said figure, he indicated that 124,654 cases were humanitarian aid; 1,570 rescues in risk areas; 88 first aid for injuries; three locations for loss; six legal consultancies, and 45,242 diverse attentions.

The INM recalled that there are currently 22 Beta Groups located in nine states of the country (Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas and Oaxaca). It is noteworthy that these migrant protection groups, created in 1990 to help migrants who were victims of crime, during their transit through Mexican territory, aim to provide humanitarian aid, first aid, immigration assistance, guidance and information to migrants about their rights.

In this context, in the same period, the INM has reported cases of violence against 1,090 migrants in Mexican territory, including minors.

crime victims

According to official data, from January to November of this year, these migrants were victims of crimes such as smuggling of migrants (352); robberies (706); abuse of functions (10); extortion or blackmail (3); trafficking in persons for other purposes (11); attempted intentional homicide (1); passive bribery (4), in addition to cases of serious assault; threats or violation.

Of the total number of crimes reported to the immigration authorities, 142 were committed against migrant children and adolescents seeking to reach the United States, most of whom were robbed or victims of human trafficking.

maritza.perez@eleconomista.mx