**Rising Concerns Over Illegal Detentions and Deportations of Migrants in 2024**
In 2024, there has been a noticeable increase in advocacy related to illegal detentions and deportations taking place at immigration stations in Baja California, according to Graciela Zamudio Campos, the Executive Director of the organization Alma Migrante. Human rights defenders have reported a surge in requests for legal support from migrants affected by these practices at the National Institute of Migration (INM) facilities in the region.
Zamudio Campos highlighted that alongside these concerns, there’s also a growing demand for legal assistance regarding the denial of issuance and renewal of Visitor Cards for Humanitarian Reasons. This card is a vital document for those in the process of applying for permanent residency in Mexico, signifying their legal right to remain in the country.
Throughout the year, Alma Migrante has been directing cases to federal public defenders and legal clinics at local universities. The organization emphasizes the importance of documentation, like the Visitor Card, for migrants’ legal residency validation. Alma Migrante also plays a crucial role in training the defender community in Baja California, focusing on strategic litigation, human rights education, and the empowerment of defenders.
Despite these efforts, there has been a decline in resources from international organizations since the onset of the pandemic, which has forced Alma Migrante to direct cases to other sources for assistance.
**Secondary Article: Surge in Migrant Deportations Strains Support Services**
In recent months, shelters like Albergue Juventud 2000 have been under increased pressure, grappling with a heightened number of deportations linked to stricter asylum policies. The shelter’s directors have noted a significant impact, causing a strain on their already limited resources.
This rise in deportations comes amidst tighter immigration controls, including ongoing discussions about changes to immigration fees and regulations at border crossings, such as the Tijuana checkpoint. Despite some local interventions to mitigate these pressures, challenges persist for many migrants seeking asylum and residency in Mexico.
With reduced international support, local organizations and shelters are striving to address these needs. The growing calls for aid underline a critical need for policy shifts to better protect and assist migrants facing these legal and humanitarian challenges.
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