**Primary Article**
—
**Appointed Immigration Official in Baja California Accused of Migrant Abuse**
On September 16, 2024, Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández assumed the role of the new head of the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) in Baja California. His appointment has provoked controversy due to allegations that he assaulted migrants while previously managing the Siglo XXI migration station in Tapachula, Chiapas.
Palau Hernández has been operating since 2023 as the head of the immigration station in Mexico City and now replaces David Pérez Tejada, who was asked to resign by central offices in mid-August for reasons that have yet to be disclosed.
Recently, the Pro Migrant Defense Coalition and the Migration Policy Working Group issued a statement expressing “profound concern” over Palau Hernández’s designation. Although the INM has not officially announced his appointment, sources confirmed that Palau Hernández has already taken the oath to lead the INM office in Baja California. Alejandro Ruiz Uribe, the state’s delegate, also confirmed Palau Hernández’s arrival as the acting head of the office.
The Pro Migrant Defense Coalition urged INM Commissioner Francisco Garduño Yáñez and Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda to reconsider the appointment. They also called on the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) to conduct a “thorough investigation into the background and potential human rights violations involving this official” to ensure that public office roles related to immigration are filled by individuals committed to treating migrants and refugees with dignity and empathy.
On September 20, 2024, Adriana Minerva Espinoza, the state’s undersecretary for migratory affairs, stated that the official notice from the federal government is still pending. “The person appointed will initially serve as the acting head until the federal government determines who will be the INM commissioner, at which point regional appointments will be finalized,” she said.
She affirmed the state government’s dedication to cooperating fully with the appointed official, adhering strictly to the principles of human rights, and continuing to protect and assist people in migration contexts within Baja California.
**Opposition to the Appointment**
The Pro Migrant Defense Coalition and the Migration Policy Working Group criticized Palau Hernández as having a “law enforcement-focused” approach. They said his failed nomination as the head of the INM in Ciudad Juárez is indicative of potential issues. “Now there is a possibility that he will be granted a new role in Baja California, possibly without adequate transparency and official notification,” the groups warned.
They highlighted that bringing in a figure with a controversial history contradicts Baja California’s tradition as a sanctuary for migrants, exacerbating concerns about his suitability for the role.
**Background on Palau Hernández**
On August 28, 2021, approximately 30 migrants traveling in a caravan on the Tapachula-Arriaga coastal highway in Chiapas were beaten by INM officers, the National Guard, and Sedena. The INM later suspended the involved officials, including Palau Hernández, who allegedly had been the director of the Siglo XXI station and was caught on camera tussling with a migrant.
The CNDH’s investigation (CNDH/5/2021/7427/Q) revealed that INM personnel attempted to detain around 30 migrants, including children and women, using excessive force.
Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández, who holds a law degree and a master’s in criminal policy from UNAM, held various roles within the INM and other government bodies from 2001 to 2023, raising questions about his relocation to Baja California.
**Secondary Article**
—
**Background and Broader Context on INM Appointments**
In a broader context, the controversy over Palau Hernández’s appointment is part of an ongoing debate about the transparency and criteria surrounding INM appointments. Several human rights organizations have raised alarms over the potential for abuse and mistreatment of migrants by officials, prompting calls for thorough vetting and greater oversight within the department.
In recent years, similar controversies have surfaced, including the handling of migrant caravans and the conditions within migration stations. Human rights watchdogs and international observers have consistently emphasized the need for humane and respectful treatment of migrants, urging government entities to prioritize these principles in their policies and practices.
As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, tension between enforcement and humanitarian approaches remains a challenging balance for officials and governments alike. With the upcoming official notifications and federal evaluations, stakeholders hope for a more transparent and rights-respecting approach in the handling of migration issues in Baja California and beyond.