Mexican Court Closes Case Against Former Immigration Chief Over Deadly Detention Center Fire

A Mexican judge has closed the case against Francisco Garduno, the former head of the National Migration Institute (INM), concerning the 2023 fire at a Ciudad Juarez detention centre that resulted in the deaths of 40 migrants and injuries to 30 others. This incident marked the deadliest event in the history of Mexican immigration centres and drew criticism for exposing systemic flaws and irregularities within the country's detention system.

Garduno had been facing charges of abuse of public office and dereliction of duty, stemming from footage of the fire that appeared to show guards failing to respond to pleas for help. On Tuesday, Judge Victor Manlio Hernandez Calderon ruled that Garduno had satisfied the court-ordered measures designed to address the damage caused by the fire. However, victims have rejected this decision and have announced their intention to appeal.

The Foundation for Justice, an NGO representing some of the victims, stated on social media, "Yesterday, corruption and the impunity of politicians protected by power won again." Victims have also likened the judge's decision to close the criminal case to a de facto exoneration for Garduno, asserting that the ruling "confirms that justice in Mexico is selective" and deprives victims of "full reparations" and concrete assurances against future tragedies.

Miguel Zenteno, a lawyer with the foundation, indicated that the ruling is not definitive as it is subject to appeal, and another injunction is pending regarding the court-mandated reparations, which critics argue fall short of the standards expected for such a serious event. The fire occurred on March 27, 2023, when approximately 70 men were confined in a locked, unventilated dormitory with limited water at the Ciudad Juarez immigration detention centre, located on the border with El Paso, Texas. In protest, a small group set fire to mattresses, leading to smoke quickly engulfing the area. Security footage showed guards abandoning the area despite cries for assistance and making no effort to open the dormitory gates. Only women held in a separate cell were released. The majority of the victims were from Central America and Venezuela.

Garduno, who previously served as a prison guard and is currently an official at the Ministry of Education, led the INM from 2019 until 2025, continuing in his role despite the fire. The judge had previously mandated that Garduno compensate the families, provide them with free specialized medical care, issue a public apology, implement human rights training for migration personnel, and ensure that such events would not recur. Zenteno acknowledged that these measures were only partially implemented, noting that Garduno did not personally pay the damages as required. Instead, funds were provided by the INM, and the payments were insufficient to fully compensate the families. Furthermore, victims were not adequately informed on how to access free medical services, and the apology was considered "a mere formality, not substantive."

In addition to Garduno, prosecutors have accused another former director of the institute of similar crimes. Six immigration agents, including a military officer and a private security guard, along with the two migrants accused of starting the fire, face charges of homicide and assault. Most of these officials remain at liberty pending trial.