Federal Judge Suspends Criminal Process Against INM Head Francisco Garduño in Migrant Fire Case
Chihuahua, Mexico — In a controversial decision, a federal judge has approved the suspension of the criminal process against Francisco Garduño Yáñez, head of the National Institute of migration (INM), following a deadly fire at a migrant detention center under his supervision. The blaze claimed the lives of 40 foreign migrants and left 27 others injured.
The suspension, granted for an 18-month period, comes with strict conditions. Garduño must issue a public apology,ensure the delivery of a trust fund to the families of five victims who have refused reparations,and oversee compensation for two survivors who are also accused of allegedly starting the fire. Additionally, he is required to complete human rights and civil protection courses and remain at his habitual residence during this period.
If Garduño fulfills these conditions, the criminal process for the crime of illicit exercise of public service will be closed, effectively resulting in an acquittal. His defense lawyers, led by Víctor Manlio Hernández Calderón, stated that the INM has already compensated 39 of the 40 victims with 3.5 million pesos each.The 40th victim,whose case involved a violation of due process,received 4 million pesos.
Of the 27 survivors, compensation was divided into three categories based on the severity of injuries:
- 18 victims with carbon monoxide inhalation and airway burns received 3,060,348.80 pesos.
- 5 victims with burns covering 2 to 3.5% of their body surface were compensated between 3,133,146.89 and 3,358,146.80 pesos.
- 4 victims with burns affecting 10 to 20% of their body received between 4,333,146.80 and 5 million pesos.
Despite these measures, five Venezuelan families have refused to accept the reparations, citing dissatisfaction with the process. Organizations representing 18 of the victims and their families have criticized the resolution, calling it a precedent for impunity. “This sends a message that serious crimes against vulnerable people can go unpunished,” they stated.
Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered to demand justice, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding the case. Garduño’s lawyers, however, defended the decision, claiming that nearly 80% of the reparations have been fulfilled and that the suspension is legally justified.
Garduño avoided addressing the press, leaving the courthouse in a vehicle that entered the parking lot specifically to pick him up.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Suspension Period | 18 months |
| Conditions | Public apology, reparations, human rights courses, residence requirement |
| Compensation | 3.5M pesos per victim (39 cases), 4M pesos for one case |
| Survivor Compensation| Ranged from 3M to 5M pesos based on injury severity |
| Criticism | Organizations call it a precedent for impunity |
The case continues to spark debate over accountability and justice for migrants in Mexico. For more on this developing story, visit Milenio.What are your thoughts on this decision? Share your views in the comments below.
