An integrated security operation in Chiapas successfully led to the liberation of 22 migrants, including four Cubans, who had been held captive on a ranch along the Tapachula-Viva Mexico highway. The confrontation with their abductors resulted in the deaths of two security personnel, six others injured, one suspect detained, and 14 others who managed to flee, according to the local outlet Diario del Sur.
The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when authorities responded to reports of an armed group in the area. As the intervention took place, officers faced a barrage of high-caliber gunfire, sparking a shootout that claimed the lives of Eredin Chacón Márquez, from the Investigation Police, and Carlos Cueto Reyes, of the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA).
An Intense Standoff Leads to a Successful Rescue
Despite the fierce resistance, security forces penetrated the ranch, freeing 22 migrants: 16 Venezuelans, two Colombians, and four Cubans, including two children. Additionally, authorities confiscated more than 15 long firearms, believed to be military-grade equipment.
Investigations Uncover a Network of Migrant Kidnappers
The rescue is the culmination of ongoing investigations following reports of the abduction of four Cubans in downtown Tapachula. These inquiries led to the ranch, identified as an operational base for a criminal network specializing in migrant kidnappings for extortion.
The apprehended suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, faces charges related to the crimes committed, while authorities ramp up efforts to locate the 14 fugitives who escaped.
Migrant Safety Concerns Escalate in Chiapas
Over the past three months, Chiapas has reported 38 migrant deaths, underscoring the perilous journey faced by those attempting to reach the north.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chiapas Migrant Rescue