Monday, June 28, 2010

 

Mexico to Strengthen Border Patrols and Aid to Migrants

 

Excelsior / Notimex

 

The National Migration Institute of Mexico will strengthen patrols and humanitarian assistance in northern and southern border states to protect migrants from harsh weather and hazards during their attempts to cross the borders.

 

A statement from the Ministry of the Interior said that the Beta Group has launched  "Operation Summer 2010," which will encompass actions on the northern border with the United States, and the southern border with Guatemala and Belize.

 

The operation is in effect from June 21 to September 23, with increased patrols, humanitarian assistance, rescue and guidance.

 

The 16 Beta Groups will implement this operation in the states of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaulipas in the north, and in Veracruz, Chiapas and Tabasco on the southern border.

 

This is a special operation in order to protect highly vulnerable migrants, while it was reported that the Beta Groups conducted 6,212 patrols from January to May 2010.

 

Besides rescuing 2,234 migrants, they gave first aid to 489 injured or wounded migrants, located 85 people who were reported lost, and gave social assistance to 104,160 migrants.

 

Thus, during this special summer operation, immigration officials will try to dissuade migrants from continuing their journey, insofar as they will be exposed to dehydration due to long walks in temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius [104 °F].

 

In addition to emergency equipment, first aid needs and counseling, the agents carry food, water and medications that will serve and safeguard the welfare of migrants.

 

The orientation will focus on providing information to prevent dehydration and gastrointestinal infections, and deaths from heat stroke, especially among migrants who are permanently exposed to the sun.

 

These migrants are at high risk because they try to travel on railway cars, they walk for long distances, or they cross through desert areas.

 

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Excelsior, Mexico City, June 22, 2010; edited translation: MexiData.info