On Saturday morning, a bus from the Autobuses Unidos (AU) line, which was covering the route from Córdoba, Veracruz, to Tehuacán, Puebla, was stopped by elements of the National Institute of Migration (INM) on Federal Highway 150 Veracruz-Mexico, near the municipality of San Pedro Chapulco.
The operation occurred in the place known as “El Molino”, generating confusion and alarm among the inhabitants of the region, who initially alerted the authorities by calling 911, reporting what seemed to be a possible “kidnapping”. However, it was later confirmed that it was a seizure of migrants.
On the bus, an Irizar i5 model with economic number 4265, the authorities found 13 people in an irregular situation: 12 of Venezuelan nationality and one originally from Morocco. During the procedure, the driver of the unit was also arrested, who is under investigation to determine his possible responsibility in the transport of the migrants.
The operation mobilized local and state police corporations, which increased tension among residents of the area. The authorities’ rapid action responded to the citizen alert, which allowed the location and detention of the bus in question.
For the moment, the detained people are under the protection of the National Institute of Migration, while their legal status in the country is reviewed and the corresponding measures are taken. Meanwhile, the authorities continue to investigate the case to clarify the details of the transfer, as well as to determine whether it was a coordinated action by human trafficking networks.
This type of operation reflects the constant surveillance on Mexican roads in the face of the growing migratory flow to the north of the country, which has increased in recent years due to the economic and social crises in various nations in Latin America and other continents.
The National Institute of Migration reiterated its commitment to work together with security forces to combat human trafficking, guaranteeing respect for the human rights of migrants during the procedures.
Source: infobae
