**Tragic Incident in Tecate: Colombian Migrants Shot by National Guard**
In a shocking incident in Tecate, along the Tecate-Tijuana highway near La Rumorosa, agents of the National Guard engaged in a shooting that resulted in the deaths of two Colombian migrants. The Colombians were traveling in a white Nissan XTerra driven by a Mexican guide, who was allegedly leading them towards the U.S. border for illegal entry.
Eyewitnesses described how the scene quickly turned into chaos when the agents, instead of immediately seeking medical help for the injured, spent crucial minutes collecting the bullet casings. This delay, according to one of the wounded migrants, seemed like an attempt to tamper with the crime scene.
Victims Ronaldo Andrés Quintero Peñuelas, aged 20, and Yuli Vanessa Herrera Marulanda, aged 37, were pronounced dead at the scene by Red Cross paramedics due to gunshot wounds inflicted by military-grade ammunition. Four other Colombians suffered injuries and were taken to Tecate General Hospital, with three being released later that day, including a minor.
Despite the aftermath, no weapons were found on or in the vehicle of the migrants, casting doubt on the official account by the National Guard. Their statement suggested they were responding to a threat from the XTerra, although their vehicle showed no signs of damage from gunfire.
In response to the incident, Colombia’s government has urged its citizens in Mexico to exercise increased caution, emphasizing support for the victims and their families through the Colombian Consulate. Meanwhile, three members of the National Guard involved have been temporarily relieved pending further investigation.
**Related News**
**Colombia Urges Safety for Citizens Following Tecate Incident**
The Colombian government has reacted strongly to the recent tragic incident in Tecate, Mexico, where two of its citizens were killed in an encounter with Mexico’s National Guard. The event has drawn international attention, prompting Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to release a statement urging Colombians in Mexico to remain vigilant and take additional safety measures.
Colombian officials have been in communication with Mexican authorities, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victims. The Colombian Consulate is actively providing support and assistance to the affected families, while Colombian nationals are advised to report any incidents to the consulate to ensure their safety is prioritized during their stay or transit in Mexico.
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers migrants face as they navigate complex and often perilous pathways to the United States, where escalating tensions at the border between law enforcement and migrant groups remain a pressing issue.