Bus lines in Monclova, a city in the border state of Coahuila, are refusing to sell tickets to foreigners, even those with legal documents. This has left many migrants, primarily Cubans and Venezuelans, stranded on their route to the United States.
Daniel González Méndez, president of the Human Rights Commission in Monclova, warned on Thursday that the affected Cubans and Venezuelans "are getting stuck because the bus station lines won't sell them tickets, and they can't walk 300 kilometers to the border," reported the Facebook page Alerta Roja Monclova.
According to the official, the incident is a violation of human rights that leaves the only option of filing an injunction. González explained that the Cubans and Venezuelans possess a document issued by the immigration authorities; however, at the bus station, "the staff, upon noticing their accent and skin color, deny them ticket sales, even with that document, the drivers prevent them from boarding."
The drivers justify the refusal by claiming they "fear having foreigners on board the bus could get them jailed or cause issues for the company they work for, so they prevent foreigners from boarding."
The municipal official explained that, faced with this situation, the migrants consult with bus line staff on how to reach the Coahuila border with the United States and are told they must walk, "which is absurd given temperatures over 43 degrees and a distance of 300 kilometers to their border destination."
Finally, the human rights councilor pointed out that the Ministry of the Interior, through the National Institute of Migration, issues migrants a photo ID that allows them to travel to the northern border, "but unfortunately it is not respected by either the authorities or the bus station staff."
Recently, members of the U.S. Border Patrol expressed concern about a rise in the number of people attempting to cross through more dangerous migration routes, where some tragically suffer fatal consequences.
These concerns arise from measures approved by U.S. President Joe Biden, which prevent irregular migrants from receiving asylum in the United States after crossing the border illegally, and the collapse of the CBP One mobile app. This has led migrants to attempt to sneak in and reach the country through more hazardous and difficult routes.
Challenges Faced by Cuban Migrants in Mexico
In light of the recent events, here are some frequently asked questions regarding the challenges faced by Cuban migrants in Mexico.
Why are bus companies in Monclova refusing to sell tickets to Cuban migrants?
Bus companies in Monclova are refusing to sell tickets to Cuban migrants due to fears of legal repercussions and potential issues for the companies they work for. The drivers and staff claim they are worried about being jailed or causing problems for their employers.
What documents do Cuban migrants possess that should allow them to travel?
Cuban migrants possess a document issued by immigration authorities, which includes a photo ID from the National Institute of Migration that should permit them to travel to the northern border.
What are the human rights implications of this refusal?
The refusal to sell tickets to Cuban migrants is considered a violation of human rights, leaving legal action as their only recourse.
How are U.S. policies affecting the migration routes of Cubans?
U.S. policies under President Joe Biden, which prevent irregular migrants from receiving asylum and issues with the CBP One app, are forcing migrants to try entering the country through more dangerous and difficult routes.