MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican authorities arrested soldiers who were part of a patrol that opened fire on a pickup truck killing six migrants, federal prosecutors said on Thursday, two days after the incident. Furthermore, the Mexican soldiers shooting has ignited debates about border security and migrant safety.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killings that occurred on her inauguration day. Meanwhile, the country’s Catholic bishops criticized the military’s growing power.
Six people died, and 10 were injured in southern Chiapas state on Tuesday after soldiers fired on a truck transporting migrants. The incident occurred near the border with Guatemala, affecting 33 migrants in total.
“It’s a regrettable event and it must be investigated and punished,” said Sheinbaum during a press conference. “A situation like this cannot be repeated.”
Mexican federal prosecutors identified three victims as Egyptian nationals, with one from Honduras and another from Peru. Additionally, Sheinbaum noted one dead migrant was from El Salvador.
Later on Thursday, however, the Honduran foreign minister denied that any Honduran national died in the incident.
The other 27 migrants include citizens of Egypt, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Cuba, according to prosecutors.
In a statement, the prosecutors disclosed that the soldiers face an investigation in which local authorities are working with rights experts, immigration officials, the Guatemalan government and Interpol.
The surviving migrants are being interviewed with assistance from their nations’ consulates. Additionally, psychologists and specialized personnel are available to provide support.
In its initial description of the deadly incident, Mexico’s defense ministry explained that soldiers opened fire after the pick-up truck tried to evade a military patrol and that soldiers reported hearing explosions before two officers opened fire.
In a statement released later on Thursday, Mexico’s Catholic bishops objected to what they described as the “disproportionate use of lethal force” by the soldiers.
The Mexican Soldiers Shooting: Implications for Border Security and Migrant Safety
Many advocates argue that military personnel should not engage in policing migrants. Instead, they suggest prioritizing humanitarian efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
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