Former Mexico immigration chief apologizes for deadly detention center fire

[Judi Lynn]

The former head of Mexico’s immigration agency has apologized to victims and families affected by a fire at a Ciudad Juarez detention center that killed 40 migrants

By MARÍA VERZA Associated Press
September 26, 2025, 7:38 PM

MEXICO CITY -- The former head of Mexico’s immigration agency apologized Friday to victims and families affected by a fire at a Ciudad Juarez detention center that killed 40 migrants.

Francisco Garduño, who remained in his position as head of the National Immigration Institute until April, was ordered by a judge to make the public apology, among other steps, during a temporary suspension in his prosecution for failing in his responsibility to protect those in his custody.

There were “human rights violations that never should have happened” due to “omissions by personnel of the (National Immigration Institute),” Garduño said at an event in Mexico City. He called for “those responsible” to be punished and for reparations to be made without recognizing his own responsibility in the tragedy.

In addition to the 40 killed, more than two dozen people were injured. Most of the victims were from Central America and Venezuela.

More:
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/former-mexico-immigration-chief-apologizes-deadly-detention-center-125985790