La Jornada
September 2, 1999
Elio Henriquez, correspondent

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, CHIAPAS, September 1 -- The Civil Observation Network--made up of more than 30 organizations--stated that over the last two weeks agents from the National Immigration Institute (INM) "have been going through hotels and inns located in this city, asking for names and personal information from foreign tourists, who are later interrogated."

They added that, similarly: "The hostile attitude of INM agents at the checkpoints located in several places in Los Altos and the Selva of Chiapas has been worsening. In several cases, they have issued citations for tourists to come and make statements in their offices" in San Cristobal. After this, they have issued what is called definitive departure letters for them to leave the country."

According to the Network, these actions "became tougher" following Governor Roberto Albores Guillen's speeches--in reponse to opposition by Amador Hernandez residents to having a road built there. According to them, Albores "has unleashed a strong xenophobic campaign, which has, in an unprecedented manner, also been extended to Mexicans, such as the attempt to expel Mexican actress Ofelia Medina."

They stated that INM agents had been visiting hotels and inns for the last two weeks, in order to try and find foreign tourists "suspected" of supporting the EZLN struggle, who are subsequently cited to appear before the regional delegate, Rene Pulido.

Daniel Aguilar, a student at the Social Science Faculty of the Autonomous University of Chiapas, denounced that, on August 30, he was subjected to harsh interrogations by two immigration officials who were looking for foreign tourists at an inn. He said that visitors from other countries who were also staying at the inn--located on Insugentes Avenue--were "harassed and verbally assaulted" by two INM agents, one of whom was not wearing an INM uniform.

Translated by irlandesa