Mexican court closes case against official over 2023 detention centre fire

Victims’ groups, however, have denounced the ruling as ‘selective’ justice that exonerates a former government head.Published On 15 Oct 202615 Oct 2026A Mexican judge has closed the case against Francisco Garduno, former head of the country’s immigration agency, for crimes related to the 2023 fire at a Ciudad Juarez detention centre that killed 40 migrants and injured 30 others.The incident was the deadliest event ever to occur at a Mexican immigration centre, and critics said it exposed the shortcomings and irregularities in the country’s detention system.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US deports nearly 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala over Mexico’s objectionslist 2 of 3Ex-ICE agent charged over shooting is freed by Texas authoritieslist 3 of 3Venezuelan man shot by ICE officer in Texas is charged with assaultend of listGarduno faced trial for the crimes of abuse of public office and dereliction of duty after footage from the fire showed guards had failed to respond to cries for help.On Tuesday, Judge Victor Manlio Hernandez Calderon ruled that Garduno had fulfilled the court-mandated measures required to address the damage. But victims rejected that decision and announc...