Mid February, 2023

Reporting on February 16, 2023, the Nogales-based Kino Border Initiative (KBI) stated, “The parole processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans has many eligibility requirements which make it extremely difficult for people who are fleeing their countries to access.”

Among cases cited:

Norma [name changed to protect privacy] fled Venezuela after having participated in marches opposing the government. She had to return to the country to attempt to renew her passport, but the government refused to renew it. She had to cross the Darien Gap and faced numerous abuses in Mexico. After the cartels stopped the bus she was on and forced all the non-Mexican passengers off, they robbed and beat her. She turned herself into the BP but they expelled her back to Mexico. 

“February 16 update from KBI” (Nogales: Kino Border Initiative, February 16, 2023).

Sector(s): Tucson

Agency(ies): Border Patrol

Event Type(s): Dangerous Deportation, Endangerment

Accountability Status: Unknown

Victim Classification: Female, Single Adult