Mexican federal immigration authorities announced on Thursday that they have removed one of the largest migrant tent camps in downtown Mexico City.
According to the National Immigration Institute, migrants at the camp had been paying bribes ranging from $12 to $35 to an unnamed official for permission to set up tents in the crowded area.
Most of the 432 migrants at the camp possessed visas allowing them to stay in Mexico legally and chose to leave voluntarily. Some Mexican nationals, likely homeless individuals, were also present at the camp.
Approximately 99 migrants were relocated to immigration offices or shelters. More than half of them were from Haiti, while others were from Venezuela or Central America.
People attending drag queen story time (Via Ben White/Shutterstock)
Previously, there was an office of the Mexican Commission on Refugee Aid (COMAR) nearby, which closed on May 29.
Residents of the upscale but bohemian Juarez neighborhood, near the city center, had complained for years about the paved pedestrian zone being occupied by the camp. They cited increased crime risks, health concerns, and loss of recreational space.
Historically, the Mexican government has faced little political backlash for closing such camps, a move often supported by local residents.
Earlier this week, U.S. President Joe Biden announced stricter measures for migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, potentially prompting more migrants to stay in Mexico while they apply for asylum.
