In addition to the operations on the border by the City Hall and the National Migration Institute, local authorities are also working to disperse migrant camps within the urban area.
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Héctor Rafael Ortiz Orpinel, Secretary of the City Council, explained that personnel from the Civil Protection and Human Rights Directorate have launched permanent tours in different areas of the city, with a particular focus on the downtown area.
He said that these tours seek to address the growing presence of encampments of people in mobility in abandoned or decaying facilities, which represent a significant danger to those who occupy them.
He recalled that as on previous occasions, the Deluxe hotel, located in the downtown area of the city, was evicted because it did not comply with civil protection measures for the inhabitants of this space, mostly migrants.
On that occasion, the hotel was evacuated due to the lack of safety measures in the building, mainly because it represented a potential fire risk. In addition, the building did not have emergency exits.
The official stated that municipal authorities have identified that these camps are often located in abandoned buildings, some of which are considered completely unsafe.
As well as the main concern is the risk of fire or collapse due to the precarious conditions of these constructions.
He pointed out that during these operations they seek to animate those who occupy these camps about the dangers to which they are exposed, so they have invited them on several occasions to take refuge in official shelters, either the municipal Kiki Romero or the federal Leona Vicario.
“We understand that these people need a place to sleep and meet their basic needs, but we also invite them to consider going to the government shelters, such as the “Kiki Romero” and “Leona Vicario”. These shelters offer not only food, but also a constant point of support,” he stated.
He explained that in the case of these shelters they are not “open”, that is, once a person enters, they are expected to remain in place. However, they are assured that they will have access to the necessary services and assistance they require.
This is due to the massive arrival of migrants to Ciudad Juarez, which has made the presence of camps in dangerous areas a new challenge to address irregular migration.
In view of this situation, it is worth remembering that last Monday, Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar announced in a press conference that next Monday, October 9, a temporary shelter will be opened in the southeast area, which will have a space for 300 people.
