### Puebla Governor to Lead Mexico’s National Migration Institute
Sergio Salomón Céspedes Peregrina, the current Governor of Puebla, has been chosen to lead the National Migration Institute (INM), as announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Céspedes will succeed Francisco Garduño Yáñez, according to Sheinbaum’s statements made during a press conference on October 8, 2024.
With the transition set for December, Céspedes will focus on implementing comprehensive improvements within the INM, addressing immigration issues that remain unresolved. President Sheinbaum praised Céspedes as a qualified individual, capable of spearheading significant developments in migration policy, while current director Garduño stays on until the transition is complete.
The announcement sparked inquiries regarding ongoing investigations related to Garduño Yáñez, stemming from a tragic 2023 incident where a fire at the INM’s Juárez facility resulted in 40 migrant deaths. Although Garduño has faced legal scrutiny for potential misconduct, no formal charges have been filed against him as of now.
**About Sergio Salomón Céspedes Peregrina**
Born in 1969 in Tepeaca, Puebla, Céspedes earned a law degree from the University of the Valley of Puebla. He launched his political career in 1986 with the Institutional Revolutionary Party before shifting allegiance to Morena. Céspedes held the mayoral office in Tepeaca and served in multiple legislative capacities before being appointed as Puebla’s interim governor in late 2022.
**About Francisco Garduño Yáñez**
Francisco Garduño, 76, from Acámbaro, Guanajuato, brings extensive experience in public administration. He has held roles spanning several government departments and contributed to major legal reforms, including the closure of Mexico City’s notorious Lecumberri prison. Garduño has been with the INM since June 2019.
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### Additional Developments in Mexican Migration Policy
In recent weeks, Mexico’s government has increased focus on its migration policies amid rising concerns over migrant safety and border security. Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s commitment to an integrated migration strategy, aiming to maintain humane standards while addressing border control complexities.
Meanwhile, regional leaders have called for collective action, underscoring the need for international cooperation in managing the migrant crisis effectively. As Mexico anticipates staffing changes within its migration leadership, stakeholders are keeping a keen eye on the forthcoming adjustments and their implications for migration management across the country and beyond.