SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Migrant advocates and shelter operators are demanding the director of Mexico’s Institute of Migration in Tijuana be dismissed due to his alleged disregard of migrant abuse in the past.
The groups claim Alejandro Palau Hernández has a long history of ignoring reports and claims of abuse committed by Mexico’s National Guard and personnel within his own department.
Several groups, including the Assabil Shelter, Project Salesianos of Tijuana, the Pro Defense Migrant Coalition and IXTUS VIVE shelter have written a letter insisting Palau Hernández be removed from his post.
Their letter, written in Spanish, states he turned a blind eye toward a number of migrant abuse cases during his tenure as director of the INM in Tapachula, Chiapas, a city on Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala.
The groups maintain Palau Hernández was investigated and found guilty of neglect by Mexico’s Human Rights Commission.
They are “demanding an immediate appointment of a director who is respectful of human rights of migrants and refugees.”
The letter goes on to say “it is incredibly worrisome that a public servant with such a history be named director within the National Institute of Migration in Baja California, but worse yet, that he remains in charge, we believe the INM should have public servants who are professional, capable and sensitive toward migrants and their needs.”
Mexico’s INM and Palau Hernández have refused to comment about the allegations.
Read: Read More