Mexican judge closes case against immigration chief over 2023 fire
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 00:33 · Archive
A Mexican judge has closed the case against Francisco Garduño, former head of Mexico's immigration agency, related to a 2023 detention centre fire that killed 40 migrants.
A Mexican judge closed the case against Francisco Garduño, former head of Mexico's immigration agency, on Tuesday over crimes related to the 2023 fire at the Ciudad Juárez detention centre. The fire killed 40 migrants and injured 30 others, the deadliest incident ever at a Mexican immigration centre. On 27 March 2023, some 70 men were held in a locked dormitory with no ventilation and barely any water. A small group set fire to mattresses in protest, and smoke engulfed the area within seconds.
Garduño faced trial for abuse of public office and dereliction of duty after footage showed guards failed to respond to cries for help. The judge ruled that measures taken to repair the damage had been fulfilled. The Foundation for Justice, representing some victims, denounced the decision as allowing 'corruption and the impunity of politicians protected by power'. They say it confirms that 'justice in Mexico is selective' and denies victims 'full reparations' and guarantees that similar events will not be repeated.
The victims have rejected the ruling and will appeal. Miguel Zenteno, the Foundation's lawyer, noted the sentence is not final because it will be appealed and another injunction is pending against the reparations ordered by the judge.
How it is being reported
- Mexican judge closes the case against immigration chief Francisco Garduño over 2023 Juarez fireA Mexican judge has closed the case against Francisco Garduño, former head of the country’s immigration agency, related to the 2023 fire at a Ciudad Juárez detention center.Clickorlando · 14 Oct, 23:57
- Mexican judge closes the case against immigration chief Francisco Garduño over 2023 Juarez fireA Mexican judge has closed the case against Francisco Garduño, former head of the country’s immigration agency, related to the 2023 fire at a Ciudad Juárez detention center.News4Jax · 14 Oct, 23:57
In this story: Francisco Garduño · Foundation for Justice · Miguel Zenteno · Ciudad Juárez · Mexico
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)