An immigration official for Mexico reportedly said the recent violent deaths of Haitian migrants were not hate crimes but random criminal acts happening throughout the country.
The statements come on the heels of questions and concerns in the Haitian community, many of whom have been in Tijuana and other parts of Mexico hoping for asylum in the U.S.
The official reportedly said in part that Haitian immigrants have been welcome to Mexico because they are “hardworking.”
Haitian community leaders in Mexico have said racism is a systemic issue in the country.
Haitians have taken jobs when possible as they wait for possible entry into the United States.
More than half of the Haitian migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. were denied entry. Thousands were turned away last year.
Statistics show less than 5,000 Haitian migrants are permitted into the U.S. every year. The treatment of Haitian immigrants by border officials, including children, hoping for entry into the U.S., were a human rights disaster the Biden administration was criticized for mishandling.
More about the disputed crimes against Haitians can be found here.
Opinion: Racism is everywhere and Mexico is not an exception. Similar to Chinese diplomatic officials tamping racism claims in Malawi, the same is probably happening in Mexico. It’s hard to believe murders are so common in the Tijuana area that several Haitians just happened to be killed within a short period of time. Furthermore, the official saying they are welcome in the country because they are “hardworking” is subtext for they’re invited because they aren’t lazy Black people. If that’s the feeling, it’s hard not to imagine what stereotypes they are combatting as Blacks in another country. Foreign diplomats know legitimate incidents of racism are bad for business. If anti-Black racism is happening in Mexico, the truth will come out sooner than later. It’s shameful the failure known as the Biden administration hasn’t done more for Haitians, but then again the administration barely protects it’s own citizens by preserving basic rights. BNN will continue to follow this story.
