**Rise in Advocacy Due to Illegal Detentions and Deportations of Migrants in 2024**
There has been a noticeable increase in requests for legal support related to illegal detentions and deportations in Baja California as of 2024. Graciela Zamudio Campos, the executive director of Alma Migrante, highlighted that these requests are primarily associated with actions at the National Migration Institute (INM) stations. This surge reflects growing concerns over unlawful practices affecting migrants in the region.
Beyond this, there has been a notable rise in the denial of issuance and renewal of Humanitarian Visitor Cards, which migrants under the process of obtaining permanent residence in Mexico are entitled to. Alma Migrante has been actively directing these cases to both federal public defenders and legal clinics.
The organization is committed to educating defenders and increasing awareness around human rights issues involving migrants in Baja California. Yet, since the pandemic, international support resources have dwindled, leading to reliance on alternative channels for managing these cases.
**Increased Deportations Linked to Asylum Restrictions in Baja California**
In addition to legal challenges, shelters such as Juventud 2000 in Baja California are currently experiencing a surge in deportations due to stricter asylum regulations. The increased deportations have caused significant distress and uncertainty among migrant populations.
Further amplifying the crisis, many migrants are seeking legal recourse against the suspension of their Humanitarian Visitor Cards, which poses an existential challenge to their ability to maintain legal status in Mexico.
This wave of deportations and legal challenges calls for a heightened level of community awareness and action to address ongoing human rights concerns. Efforts to regularize the migration process and protect the rights of those affected continue to be vital in this humanitarian landscape.
Overall, the legal and community focus remains on supporting migrant rights amidst these growing challenges, with an emphasis on strategic litigation and fostering education in human rights topics.