### Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández Appointed Interim Head of INM in Baja California
Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández has been appointed as the interim head of the National Institute of Migration (INM) office in Baja California. This follows the resignation of David Pérez Tejada, who stepped down as the delegation head on September 13, after serving for one year and three months.
The federal government’s local delegation confirmed that Palau Hernández’s appointment is currently provisional, pending a formal ratification. The appointment of a permanent INM head could be made by the new Secretary of the Interior once Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is inaugurated as president.
Palau Hernández previously managed the INM office in Mexico City before his reassignment to Baja California. His appointment has raised concerns among migrant advocacy groups, including the Coalition for Migrant Defense and the Migration Policy Working Group (GTPM). These organizations are troubled by Palau Hernández’s past, particularly allegations of migrant mistreatment and his perceived police-like approach to migration issues.
In Tapachula, Chiapas, Palau Hernández was the director of the Siglo 21 Migratory Station when he was accused of participating in an operation involving the INM, National Guard, and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena). During this operation, around 200 migrants were reportedly subjected to aggression, an incident that led to a reprimand from the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH). The CNDH issued Recommendation 102/2021 to the INM, criticizing the violation of personal integrity, safety, and the principle of children’s best interests.
Advocacy organizations have voiced alarm over the potential permanent appointment of Palau Hernández, especially considering Baja California’s crucial role in the defense of migrants and refugees from various nationalities.
### Recent Developments in Migration and INM Leadership
**Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s Anticipated Presidential Inauguration and Administrative Changes**
Upcoming political changes are expected to influence the leadership within the National Institute of Migration (INM). Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s anticipated presidency may lead to new appointments within key government positions, including the potential ratification of Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández as the official head of INM in Baja California.
**Concerns Over Migrant Treatment Practices in Chiapas**
The migrant advocacy community is particularly vigilant about maintaining ethical treatment standards for migrants. Past incidents in Tapachula, Chiapas, have heightened scrutiny on INM practices. Advocacy groups continue to monitor developments closely and are prepared to intervene if future leadership decisions indicate a potential for recurring issues.
**Migrants in Baja California Awaiting Asylum Process**
Meanwhile, in Baja California, 2,515 migrants are currently awaiting to initiate their asylum processes in the United States. The region remains a strategic point for migrant advocacy, highlighting the importance of transparent and ethical practices within the INM.
**Activists Urge Proactive Measures to Address Migrant Issues**
Activists and civil society organizations are urging government authorities to take into account the history of migrant rights violations and to ensure that any future appointments within the INM adhere to transparent processes and ethical standards. Their advocacy aims to protect the rights and well-being of migrants and refugees who are navigating complex legal and social landscapes in search of safety and stability.
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