The recent location of graves and a clandestine crematorium in Jalisco, Mexico, has generated outrage in that country and concern in other nations, especially in those where migrants start to the United States and whose whereabouts are still unknown, it is still unknown, it is the case of Guatemala, where Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINEX) reports a number of missing nationals in its attempt to reach that country.
For now, the MINEX remains waiting for official information by Mexican authorities about the possible presence of Guatemalans between the localized remains. The concern is latent if it is considered that in 2024 69 disappeared nationals were registered and, so far this year, 19 more cases are already counted.
Fernando Castro, an independent analyst on migratory issues, says that many migrants lose their lives when they fall from the train known as the beast to reach the southern border with Mexico.
In this case, he says that they are migrants with less economic possibilities and that they do not have a guide. “Others are also kidnapped by Mexican cartels,” he says.
Castro explains that many of the migrants reported as missing have not died, but have suffered an accident and for their condition, being hospitalized, they cannot communicate with their relatives. In some cases, they suffer extremities amputations or blows in the skull that leave them unconscious.
Sub -registration
Castro says that the missing data that the Foreign Ministry does not reflect the magnitude of the problem and that there is a sub -registration, if it is taken into account that the relatives of the victims do not always report the cases.
“Some die in the desert because they are about three and a half days walking to be able to reach some population. The death toll can be up to three times greater than the official figure of the Foreign Ministry,” he said.
Castro reiterates that, from the border between Guatemala and Mexico, the drug cartels begin to collect migrants for the right of passage.
“Migrants begin to pay quotas for the transfer from one place to another. Drug traffickers put stamps on the body as a proof that they paid and thus can continue the trip.”
Where to look for
In the Minex Communication Department it was reported that, if the family seeks help to find a relative missing on the way to the US, you must approach the departmental offices of that agency or the central headquarters and make the report.
It was indicated that the MINEX works with the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in a search program, in which the INACIF takes DNA samples and compares them with those of localized people.
“In addition, when a person is reported as missing, the consular network is notified to seek names in the reports of the detention centers, shelters and hospitals,” he said.
According to the Minex, sometimes the migrant is located, but relatives no longer notify their finding.
Clandestine graves
The Attorney General and the Government of Mexico investigate the clandestine graves located at the Izaguirre Rancho, in Teuchitlán, Jalisco. In addition, the authorities enabled a link to help identify the victims.
The Mexican authorities disclosed indications collected during the proceedings in the place; However, they clarified that the evidence does not imply identity confirmation or the condition of possible victims.
On March 5, the authorities discovered that the place was an organized crime training center. In addition, they arrested 10 armed people and released two kidnapped.
The Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office says that, at that time, it found bone remains with thermal exposure; But the group of experts found more buried bones, hundreds of shoes and other objects.