Migrant tents intentionally burned at Mexico border

Some 25 tents that serve as shelters for migrants were intentionally burned this week in a camp located on the banks of the Rio Grande, in Matamoros, near the border with Texas, reported the Associated Press.

The fires broke out on Wednesday and Thursday in a large camp of about 2,000 people, most of them from Venezuela, Haiti and Mexico.

It was not immediately known who was at fault for burning down the tents, but it is known that cartel-backed gangs often draw suspicion in any border attack due to their tendency to take advantage of migrants. However, government officials suggested the fires may have been set by frustrated migrants waiting to cross the border.

“People fled when their stores caught fire,” said Gladys Cañas, leader of the group Ayudandos A Triunfar. "What they are saying as part of their testimony is that (those responsible) told them to get out of there."

No deaths or injuries were reported, but the houses made of plastic, canvas, branches and other materials that were set on fire were completely destroyed. Many of the migrants also lost clothes, documents and other belongings that were inside the tents.

Margarita, a Mexican who remains in the camp, said Friday that she saw Venezuelan migrants scream and cry during another the fire the day before.

Recently, groups of criminals threatened migrants and guides who cross the border river illegally, added Margarita, who asked that her last name not be used.

Criminal groups often take advantage of the migrants' stay in the area, demanding money in exchange for supposed permits to enter their territory.

Mexico recently began accepting migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who cross the border irregularly and are returned by the United States.

The Biden Administration is also considering a policy similar to Trump era measure, under which people who pass through another country before reaching the United States would be denied asylum because they would purportedly have the option of seeking asylum in the first safe county they travel to.