Three migration agents accused of extorting Cuban migrants

Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) reports that after receiving several complaints, three of its agents have been dismissed and are currently under investigation for allegedly extorting three Cuban nationals at the Siglo XXI Migration Station in Tapachula, Chiapas.

“The National Migration Institute will not tolerate any wrongdoings or acts of corruption. Our Institute's duty is to serve and protect the rights of foreigners regardless of their legal status in our country,” said the institute in an official statement.

According to the statement, the INM has joined forces with the Chiapas Attorney's General Office to investigate and prosecute those involved in any acts of extortion or wrongdoing.

The three agents are accused of demanding that Cuban migrants pay US$4,000 in exchange for their passports so they could travel to the United States.

The INM also said in its statement that since 2013, it has launched several operations to detect any possible acts of corruption and extortion against foreigners in Mexico and prosecute anyone involved in such acts.

“Our Institute, through strict supervisory and control procedures, and the periodic application of psychometric tests and internal investigations, has dismissed over 2,500 public servants between January 2013 to date,” the INM concluded.