The “activist” who was not so activist (according to Sheinbaum)
Ah, the irony of life: Luis García Villagrán, the migrant defender who spent years fighting for their rights, is now behind bars accused of human trafficking. Plot twist or political strategy? President Claudia Sheinbaum made it clear: “He is not an activist.” Wow, what a way to fire someone from the good guys club.
It turns out that the coordinator of the Center for Human Dignification had an arrest warrant pending for years, according to the Attorney General’s Office (FGR). And, like in a bad suspense movie, just when he was going to lead the Exodus of Justice’ caravan in Tapachula, bang! State and federal agents intercepted him near Bicentenario Park. Coincidence? The government says no.
Migrants, caravans and a very timely arrest
Imagine the scene: García Villagrán meeting with about 2 thousand migrants (Cubans, Haitians and Central Americans, because the migratory drama does not discriminate) to protest against the slowness of the INM. Minutes later, on the way to his car, bang! Arrested and sent to the FGR delegation in Soconusco. Nothing like a spectacular arrest to stop a caravan from advancing, right?
Meanwhile, the Mexican government, in its “Trump reloaded mode”, has decided that the best way to handle irregular migration is by dispersing people away from the borders and deploying 10,000 members of the National Guard. Because, of course, what’s better than militarizing everything so that it seems like you have control?
And here we are, in the heart of Chiapas, where migrants can no longer move freely because, apparently, the American dream now includes Mario Kart style obstacles in Mexican territory.
Moral? In the world of immigration policy, nothing is what it seems. One day you are a hero to migrants, and the next, the villain according to the government. Who said life was fair?
Are you surprised by this turn of events? Share this note and join the debate about immigration rights in Mexico. #JusticeForAll or #CynicalPolitics, you decide.
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