Tragedy in Ciudad Juárez: Fire in the Migrant Center claims 39 lives

Firefighters helping injured people, JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ / REUTERS

In a heartbreaking tragedy, at least 39 people died in a fire at a migrant center in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The National Institute of Migration (INM) reported that 71 migrants were picked up from the streets of the city prior to the fire.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador believes that the fire started after a protest by some of the migrants. Despite his investigation, the INM has not yet revealed the cause of the fire or the nationalities of the victims. López Obrador affirmed during his press conference that there were migrants from Central America and some from Venezuela in the shelter, but the exact names and nationalities of those who perished have not been revealed.

The heartbreaking incident unfolded after the migrants reportedly protested against the prospect of being deported. They set fire to the hostel’s mattresses, an action that ultimately led to the devastating outcome.

The tragedy in Ciudad Juárez has left many devastated and in mourning. In the wake of this tragedy, both authorities and citizens are calling for stronger and more effective measures to guarantee the safety of migrants and prevent future similar disasters.