A 20-year-old Cuban national was shot in the back on Sunday afternoon when an assailant burst into his residence and fired a homemade firearm in Tapachula, Chiapas, according to local authorities.
The incident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Hormiguillo Street, between 18th and 20th South, in the Reforma neighborhood in the southeastern part of the city, as reported by Diario del Sur.
Neighbors, upon hearing the gunshots, alerted emergency services via 911, prompting a swift response from the Municipal Police's Special Reaction and Immediate Intervention Group (GERI).
During the operation, three Honduran nationals were apprehended: Kensi Michell, 30; Bryan José, 33; and Josué Geovanny, 26.
Authorities also confiscated several makeshift firearms, commonly referred to as "chimbas," which are metal tube weapons frequently used in criminal activities along Mexico’s southern border.
The injured Cuban, identified as Maikol Enrique Rodríguez Perdomo, received pre-hospital care from SAE paramedics before being transported to a hospital for further medical attention. The operation was supported by the Immediate Reaction Force Pakal (FRIP) and the State Preventive Guard.
The three suspects were handed over to the Chiapas State Attorney General's Office (FGE), where they face charges for alleged assault, possession of firearms, and criminal association, among other potential charges as the investigation progresses.
Authorities also plan to notify the National Institute of Migration (INM) to verify the detainees' immigration status, check for any criminal records or warrants in Honduras, and assess any connections to criminal organizations.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by thousands of migrants in Tapachula, a city that has become a bottleneck for foreigners stranded in southern Mexico.
A Human Rights Watch report, published in May 2026, documented that over 4,300 Cubans deported from the United States remain trapped in cities like Tapachula and Villahermosa, where they are at constant risk of extortion, kidnapping, and other forms of violence. Civil organizations estimate that up to 60,000 migrants of various nationalities are stranded in this region.
Cuban migrants have previously been targets of violence in Tapachula. In April of this year, several reported assaults by municipal officials in Miguel Hidalgo Park. In 2025, multiple kidnappings of Cubans were reported, with families paying ransoms as high as $10,000 for their release.
The State Attorney General's Office continues to investigate the motive behind the attack and whether the detainees are part of a criminal network operating in the area.
Security Concerns for Migrants in Tapachula
What was the cause of the shooting in Tapachula?
A Cuban man was shot in his home by an intruder using a homemade firearm. The authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack.
Who were the suspects arrested in connection with the shooting?
Three Honduran nationals, identified as Kensi Michell, Bryan José, and Josué Geovanny, were arrested following the incident.
What are the security risks faced by migrants in Tapachula?
Migrants in Tapachula are at risk of extortion, kidnapping, and other violent acts, as the city serves as a convergence point for many stranded foreigners.