Mexican court closes case against official in detention centre fire

A Mexican court has closed its case against a former migration official implicated in a deadly 2023 detention centre fire, drawing sharp criticism from victims' advocacy groups who view the decision as a failure of accountability.

The ruling marks a significant development in a case that sparked international concern over conditions in Mexico's immigration detention facilities. The fire occurred at a migration detention centre and resulted in significant casualties, prompting investigations into the events leading up to the incident and potential negligence by officials overseeing the facility.

Victims' organizations have denounced the court's decision as an example of selective justice that effectively exonerates the former migration chief of responsibility. The groups contend that the dismissal obscures accountability mechanisms and sends a troubling message about consequences for high-level officials in cases involving loss of life.

The case had drawn attention from international human rights monitors and legal experts who were closely following Mexico's judicial response to the incident. The closure of proceedings against the official represents a setback for families seeking accountability and justice for those affected by the detention centre fire.