(CNN Spanish) –– Mexican authorities found 343 migrants abandoned inside a cargo truck on a highway in the state of Veracruz this Sunday, the National Institute of Migration (INM) said in a statement.
The agency indicated that 103 unaccompanied minors were also traveling in the vehicle, mostly from Guatemala. There were 212 adults from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Ecuador, and 28 multifamily immigrants from Guatemala and El Salvador.
Officials said the abandoned truck, without a driver, was located on the highway connecting the towns of Cosomaloban and La Tinaja in Veracruz.
In addition, people were found in the cargo compartment, which contained double-layer metal structures, as well as fans anchored in the lower part and vents in the roof.
According to the INM, the migrants found were wearing colored bracelets as a means of identification.
The agency points out that 103 unaccompanied minors and 28 family members will be under the protection of the State Organization for Integrated Development of the Family (SDIF). For their part, those of legal age are submitted to an administrative process to define their legal status within Mexican territory.
The agency said the operation was carried out in conjunction with the Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office.
