Three Years After Tragedy, Migrant Advocates Demand Justice and Reparations in Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico – March 28, 2026 – Civil society organizations convened on Friday afternoon in Ciudad Juárez to commemorate the third anniversary of a devastating fire at the National Migration Institute (INM) station, located near the Lerdo Bridge. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 40 migrants, and activists continue to demand justice and comprehensive reparations for the victims’ families and the survivors.
The event, held in front of the INM station, was organized by groups including Derechos Humanos Integrales en Acción, Comisión de Derechos Humanos Paso del Norte, HOPE of El Paso, and Casa del Migrante. These organizations have been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of migrants and ensuring accountability for the tragedy.
A Call for Justice and Remembrance
The commemoration began with the reading of a statement addressed to authorities, which honored the lives of the victims who perished while seeking a better future. “Today, we are brought together by the memory of the third anniversary of the tragedy that occurred in this facility. After three years, we have not forgotten that 40 lives ended on one night,” read a portion of the document.
The statement underscored that among the deceased and injured were family members and friends, and many survivors continue to grapple with psychological trauma as they strive to rebuild their lives. “The painful memory of what happened here is not the only reason that brings us together once again in this space. Three years have passed, and for all those affected, justice, truth, and the comprehensive reparation they deserve for all their suffering have not arrived,” another part of the statement emphasized.
Allegations of Unequal Justice and State Denial
The organizations further asserted that the state has refused to grant legal recognition as victims to the 15 female survivors. They also highlighted concerns that high-ranking officials responsible for the incident, such as former commissioner Francisco Garduño, are benefiting from what they described as an unequal and selective justice system, with ongoing legal processes seemingly favoring them.
Symbolic Acts of Remembrance
As part of the event, a symbolic reenactment of the Stations of the Cross (Viacrucis) was performed, drawing parallels between the suffering of Jesus of Nazareth and the plight of migrants. Crosses adorned with images of the March 27 incident and flowers were placed around the INM, alongside poignant murals created by urban artists.
Background of the Tragedy
The fire at the INM migrant station occurred on March 27, 2023, and resulted in the deaths of 40 migrants. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for systemic changes in migrant detention policies and conditions. Investigations into the causes of the fire and the responsibilities of various officials have been ongoing, but civil society groups argue that the pace of justice has been unacceptably slow and incomplete.
The event served as a stark reminder of the human cost of migration policies and the ongoing struggle for human rights and dignity for those seeking refuge and a new life. The organizations vowed to continue their fight until justice is fully served for all victims and survivors of the Ciudad Juárez tragedy.
