Residents of a Guadalajara neighborhood insist they are not guilty of discrimination or racism by opposing the relocation of a shelter for Central American migrants passing through the city on their way to the United States.
At a small demonstration held Sunday, around 70 neighbors of Arcos Vallarta and Jardines del Bosque urged the state government to rethink their plan to donate a property to the migrant assistance group FM4.
The homeowners point out that crime in both neighborhoods is already at alarming levels, with 13 home robberies and muggings reported this month. The increased presence of migrants will only exacerbate the situation, they argue.
Neighbors say the proposed shelter, to be located at Calderon de la Barca 468A, is inappropriate in a zone that includes a mix of both residential and business properties.
They are also skeptical that authorities will keep their promise to beef up surveillance in the neighborhoods. “We have been waiting 30 years for that, so I don’t think it will be solved from one day to another,” one resident said.
Residents say they have nothing against the migrants and wish them well.
The government stepped in to offer FM4 a new property last month after the NGO closed its shelter by the railway tracks, citing security issues for its staff.
Since the charity opened the shelter in 2010, it has served as a vital stopover for migrants to rest, eat, shower and seek advice as they made their way to the United States – mostly by hopping on northbound cargo trains.
Neighbors are upset that no one from the state government bothered to seek out their opinion before they decided to donate the property for the shelter.
Members of FM4 say they have sought out leaders of the neighborhood associations to explain the importance of the shelter and how it works, as well as listen to their security concerns and find solutions.
The neighbors say they haven’t ruled out picketing the property when it opens. No date for an opening has been set.