/ Modified aug 12, 2019 10:30 a.m.

Deportee flight cancellation to Mexico brings new challenges to migrants

Migrants being obliged to use border crossings is making them more vulnerable, a nonprofit agency says.

Atala Chávez VIEW LARGER Atala Chávez is director of the Institute of Social and Cultural Research and Practice (IIPSOCULTA), a nonprofit agency in Mexico City helping deported migrants.
Rodrigo Cervantes/Fronteras Desk

MEXICO CITY — Deportee flights from the U.S. to Mexico quietly have been put on hold for more than a year. But now, KJZZ has confirmed the suspension of that deportation process, bringing new challenges to Mexican deported migrants.

Mexico’s National Institute of Migration confirmed there are no more flights dropping U.S. deportees into Mexico City since late May 2018. The institute didn’t provide any reasons or explanation, arguing that the suspension is temporary. It is also unclear if this was a bilateral decision or not.

Atala Chávez is director of the Institute of Social and Cultural Research and Practice (or IIPSOCULTA, its acronym in Spanish), a nonprofit agency in Mexico City helping deported migrants.

"There used to be three flights arriving each week, but the deportees are now obliged to use border crossings," Chávez said.

"This decision is making deportees more vulnerable now," she said. According to her, they are arriving in violent border towns with no money, no jobs and not enough help.

Chávez said the federal program for repatriation is insufficient. And that migrants, as well as those who defend them, are being prosecuted.

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