2010-07

Calling Upon the Mexican Government to Enhance Respect for Human and Civil Rights in the Treatment of Undocumented Persons Through Mexico

Sponsored By: Representative Louis Ruiz (KS), Representative Mario Goico (KS)

Short Title: Mexico immigration

WHEREAS , but including many other migrants, enter Mexico every year, most with the hope of continuing on to the United States. Many stay in Mexico, at least for a time, where they may be beaten, killed, raped, kidnapped by criminal gangs, put in jail or shaken down by corrupt Mexican officials as reported by several news agencies1 and Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International2 ; and

WHEREAS Mexican authorities have been called upon in by Amnesty International to act urgently to protect migrants "who are preyed on by criminal gangs while public officials turn a blind eye or even play an active part" in widespread abuse; and

WHEREAS reportedly up to 60% of female migrants through Mexico suffer some form of sexual abuse; migrants are routinely forced to pay bribes; detention centers are woefully overcrowded, and victims are described as too terrorized to make formal complaints, rendering them "invisible;" and

WHEREAS Mexico has been widely criticized for abuse of undocumented persons that includes mistreatment by the Mexican police; and

WHEREAS the Mexican government has allowed charity groups to openly operate migrant shelters, where travelers can rest for a few days on their journey north. The government also has a special unit of immigration agents, known as Grupo Beta, who patrol the countryside in orange pickups, helping immigrants who are in trouble. Yet Article 67 of Mexico's immigration law requires that all authorities "whether federal, local or municipal" demand to see visas if approached by a foreigner and to hand over migrants to immigration authorities.

WHEREAS, Mexico’s Article 67 has caused migrants who suffer crimes, including kidnapping, to prefer not to report them to avoid being detained by immigration authorities and returned to their country; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that NHCSL, a national organization representing the interests of over 300 US Hispanic state elected officials, calls upon the Mexican Government to institute protections for all migrants through Mexico to ensure respect for Human and civil rights; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that Mexican officials institute training and stringent policies against the abuse of migrants, and report on its progress to the national community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be delivered to the Mexican President, Consul General and to the appropriate committees on foreign affairs of the United States House and Senate, as well as the President of the United States.

1. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2010/04/mexicos-treatment-of-immigrants-slammed.html
2. http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/report/widespread-abuse-migrants-mexico-human-rights-crisis-2010-04-27http%3A

Sponsored By: Representative Louis Ruiz (KS), Representative Mario Goico (KS)

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY NHCSL AND RATIFIED AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS NOVEMBER 13TH, 2010.