Preliminary reports suggest accidental drowning; Oaxaca governor orders immediate dismissals and probes child protection failures at DIF migrant facility
Oaxaca, Mexico – February 25, 2026 Authorities in Oaxaca are investigating the tragic deaths of two young girls of Haitian origin after their bodies were discovered in a septic tank (cisterna/fosa séptica) at the “Casa Pato” transit shelter for migrants and families, operated by the state DIF (Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia).
The sisters were temporarily housed at the facility with their mother when they were reported missing. Their bodies were recovered from the shelter’s cistern, with preliminary findings from the Fiscalía General del Estado de Oaxaca indicating an apparent accidental fall and drowning while playing near the unsecured area.
No final cause of death has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing, focusing on child protection protocols, facility safety measures, and the best interests of minors in transit shelters.
In response to the incident, Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz announced the immediate removal of the shelter’s director, the DIF’s general coordinator for reception centers, and at least one other official. These individuals have been placed under authorities’ disposal for questioning, with additional detentions reported in some updates.
The case has renewed scrutiny of safety and conditions in DIF-run migrant facilities along Mexico’s southern migration corridor. Human rights groups, including IMUMI (Instituto para las Mujeres en la Migración), condemned the incident as preventable institutional negligence, calling for full accountability, improved infrastructure, and stricter oversight in shelters hosting vulnerable families from the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond.
Southern Mexico continues to serve as a key transit point for Haitian and other migrant families fleeing violence, instability, and economic hardship. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced child safeguards in such spaces.
L’Union Suite extends deepest condolences to the family and stands in solidarity with Haitian migrants and all families in transit. We will continue following the investigation and any official findings.
Our thoughts are with the children and their loved ones.
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