Venezuelan Families Abandoned in Mérida, Yucatán: Allegations of Deception by INM Officials

Three Venezuelan families were abandoned in the park of Colonia Mexico in Mérida, Yucatán, after being deceived by personnel from the National Institute of Migration (INM). The families were promised transportation to Mexico City and then onward to the United States, but this did not happen.

Norelbys Morle, one of the undocumented migrants, stated that approximately 160 Venezuelans arrived in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, where immigration authorities told them to “take advantage of the opportunity” to be transported to the center of the country. However, upon arriving in Mérida, they realized they were in the Yucatán Peninsula, far from Mexico City.

Morle explained that their journey began two months ago from Venezuela, with the goal of reaching the United States. In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, they were intercepted by immigration authorities who promised to take them to Mexico City. Instead, they were brought to Mérida under false pretenses and given a paper to continue to the United States, which turned out to be invalid. Attempts to secure an appointment at the National Institute of Migration have been unsuccessful.

Current Situation

Of the 83 Venezuelans who arrived in Mérida, about 20, including several children, have remained in the city, while the rest decided to continue moving towards the center of the country. A group of Venezuelans living in Mérida has provided assistance, offering shelter, clothes, diapers, and medicine for the children.

Morle emphasized their determination to continue their journey to Mexico City to secure an appointment at Immigration and travel legally through Mexico to reach the United States.

Source: El Universal