Reports raise doubts on Mexican soldiers’ claims in migrant shooting

Earlier this month, Mexican soldiers killed six migrants when they opened fire on a pickup truck carrying 33 migrants near the Guatemalan border. The shooting occurred the night of Tuesday, Oct. 1. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Reuters reported that local residents have cast doubt on Mexican soldiers’ account of the incident, increasing scrutiny on Mexico’s security crisis.

Mexican soldiers claimed they opened fire after hearing a series of explosions and shots coming from the truck. They also stated that the vehicle carrying the migrants was traveling at high speed, attempting to evade patrol.

However, three residents told Reuters they didn’t hear explosions, only the vehicle crashing and gunshots. They also expressed confusion over claims that the soldiers mistook the migrants for cartel members, noting they could hear the cries of young children.

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A police officer who surveyed the scene also stated that the military’s use of force appeared excessive.

Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has not provided much detail about her immigration policy. However, local residents feel the Mexican government is under pressure to address the migrant crisis affecting the U.S. southern border in recent years.

Mexico’s Ministry of Defense announced that the two soldiers who opened fire have been relieved of duty, detained and will be tried under military laws.

Human rights groups condemned the shooting and asserted that Mexico’s process for trying military members lacks transparency.