Mexican police arrested several of the alleged perpetrators of the fire in Ciudad Juarez on Thursday. Sara Irene Herrerías, head of the country's Specialized Human Rights Prosecutor's Office revealed during a press conference that "two government officials, two private security guards and the migrant who started the fire" were arrested. The fire killed 39 people.
The five arrested, said Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Mexico's Security Secretary, are now facing charges of intentional homicide (those who premeditatedly commit a crime, knowing that their actions could lead to the death of a person) and bodily injury. It is clear to the Mexican government, especially after the release of the 40-second video prior to the incident, that everyone will pay for their actions:
The investigation, I reiterate, is being led by the Attorney General's Office, and the result of the investigation process will determine who is responsible, regardless of who it is, I repeat, there will be no impunity.
Private security company fined for the incident in Ciudad Juárez
Along with this, Mexican authorities assured that the company that was supposed to protect the migrants will be fined. It will also lose its contract with the government for failing to comply with its part of the agreement. The Mexican Secretary of Security stated:
The process to revoke the permit of the company Grupo de Seguridad Privada Camsa S.A de C.V. [the company in charge of managing the detention center] and to impose an economic fine was initiated. [...] Starting tomorrow [meaning this Friday] the Government will take over the Ciudad Juarez immigration station.
The role the security guards played is also of concern. According to Rodriguez, they were unable to help the migrants when they saw them in distress. Two have already been brought to court. The investigation is still ongoing: "They didn’t open a gate (...) Part of this investigation involves finding out who did not allow these people to leave. Clearly there is a serious crime," she stated.
