Mexico City, January 20 – Francisco Garduño, the former head of the National Migration Institute (INM), has been appointed Director General of the Training Centers for Work within the Ministry of Public Education (SEP). The announcement was made by the Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, who praised Garduño as an “exemplary official.”
Garduño’s New Role in Education
Garduño’s new position was confirmed by SEP Secretary Mario Delgado, who stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he was pleased to meet with Garduño, highlighting his appointment by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Delgado emphasized Garduño’s role in the reform of Upper Secondary Education, particularly with the National Baccalaureate, and the alignment of educational offerings with the strategic sectors of the “Plan Mexico” and development poles for welfare.
“I was very pleased to meet with Francisco Garduño, who has been appointed by President @Claudiashein as Director General of the Training Centers for Work. Francisco Garduño is an exemplary official and his participation in these centers will be fundamental for the reform of Upper Secondary Education that is underway with the National Baccalaureate,” Delgado wrote.
Controversy Surrounding Ciudad Juarez Migrant Center Fire
The appointment has drawn attention due to Garduño’s previous involvement in a major incident. In 2023, Francisco Garduño was investigated in connection with a fire at an INM migrant center in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The tragic event, which occurred on the night of March 27, 2023, resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people and left 26 seriously injured.
The fire was reportedly started by migrants who set fire to their mattresses in an attempt to protest their deportation. The victims were all male citizens from Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela.
Investigation and Charges
At the time of the incident, Garduño, then the Commissioner of the INM, was accused of illicit exercise of public service and allegedly committing a series of omissions that led to the fire at the facility, located next to the Reforma international bridge and under his command.
The investigation into the fire highlighted concerns about the conditions and management of migrant detention centers in Mexico. While Garduño was processed in connection with the incident, the specifics of the legal proceedings and their conclusion are not detailed in the provided information.
Broader Implications for Public Service
Garduño’s new role in the SEP signifies a continuation of his career in public service despite the past controversy. The SEP’s focus on reforming education and aligning it with national development plans underscores the importance of the Director General of the Training Centers for Work position.
This development comes amidst ongoing discussions about accountability in public office and the challenges faced by government institutions in Mexico. The appointment is likely to be met with varied reactions, reflecting the complexities of public administration and the impact of past events on political careers.
Source: https://www.tvazteca.com/aztecanoticias/francisco-garduno-se-integra-sep-fue-procesado-incendio-inm-ciudad-juarez/
