Among the 23 migrants discovered last Friday in Chiapas, Mexico, were four individuals from Cuba. These migrants had been reportedly deserted by human traffickers in the municipality of Tuxtla Chico, which lies near Mexico's border with Guatemala.
During a coordinated operation by federal and state authorities in Mexico, the group was found at the Palmeras Hotel, comprising 23 undocumented migrants—four from Cuba, 18 from Haiti, and one from Brazil. This was confirmed by a statement from the Chiapas State Attorney General's Office (FGE).
The authorities initially took the migrants to the FGE facilities to provide specialized care and gather their testimonies. This step was crucial to verify the facts and advance the investigation, as outlined in the official statement.
According to reports, the migrants informed authorities they had recently crossed into Mexico via the Suchiate River and were housed at the hotel. The smugglers, known locally as "coyotes," instructed them to stay for a few days before proceeding to Tapachula and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Each migrant paid $1,000 for this part of their journey.
Officials explained to the newspaper La Jornada that these "coyotes" charge this amount merely for entry into the country. The cities mentioned serve as initial waypoints, from which the migrants aim to head north towards the United States, requiring an additional $10,000.
Left stranded at the hotel, the group, which included two minors, was located thanks to an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen. Authorities then moved them to the Siglo 21 Station of the National Institute of Migration (INM) to address their legal status in Mexico. It remains unclear whether these individuals will be allowed to remain in Mexico or be deported to their home countries.
The operation involved members of the FGE, the Army, the Navy, the National Guard, the INM, the Public Security Secretariat, and the State Police.
In a related incident last Wednesday, federal and state forces rescued seven Cuban migrants in Tapachula, Chiapas, including a minor, who had been kidnapped by alleged criminals demanding $10,000 from their families for their release to continue traveling through Mexico.
The past few years have witnessed a significant increase in Cuban migration, leading to numerous incidents of extortion, kidnapping, and violence against these migrants as criminal organizations exploit their vulnerability and lack of institutional protection.
Key Concerns for Cuban Migrants in Mexico
Why are Cuban migrants often targeted by smugglers in Mexico?
Cuban migrants are often targeted due to their vulnerable status and lack of institutional protection, making them easy prey for criminal organizations seeking to exploit them for financial gain.
What are the typical costs involved for Cuban migrants traveling through Mexico?
Migrants often pay around $1,000 to enter Mexico with the help of smugglers. Additional costs of approximately $10,000 are required to reach the United States, making the journey financially burdensome.