At least 39 foreign migrants died on Monday after a fire that started shortly before 10:00 p.m. in the accommodation area of the Provisional Shelter in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.
In response, the National Migration Institute (INM) of the Mexican Ministry of the Interior stated that 68 adult men from Central and South America were being housed at the immigration headquarters.
Of these, 29 more foreign migrants were injured in the accident and were transferred in a "critical to serious" condition to four local hospitals for immediate care.
In light of this, the authorities reported that they have established communication and coordination with consular authorities from different countries to implement actions that allow for the full identification of deceased migrants.
In this regard, the INM expressed its willingness to assist in legal investigations in order to clarify the unfortunate events.
After regretting the death of these people, the INM also reported that a complaint was filed with the corresponding authorities to investigate what happened and, if necessary, proceed accordingly.
The immigration authority stated that it will closely monitor the progress of the health of those who are hospitalized and will provide all support to the families of the victims.
"The National Migration Institute strongly rejects the actions that led to this tragedy," INM said.
Likewise, the Mexican immigration authority said that it had given notice to the National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH) to intervene in the legal proceedings and safeguard foreign persons.
For his part, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said during his morning press conference on Tuesday that the fire that killed 39 people was started by migrants protesting against deportation.
"This had to do with a protest that they started, we assume, when they found out that they were going to be deported, mobilized, and as a protest at the door of the shelter they put mats and set them on fire, and they did not imagine that this would cause this terrible disaster," López Obrador said.
From the National Palace, the Mexican president explained that what is known so far is that the majority of the deceased migrants are from Central America and some from Venezuela.
"We still don't know the names and nationality of those who lost their lives. It's very sad that this is happening," he added.
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