The Ciudad Juárez Fire: Zemiology’s Expansion of a Criminological Analysis

Abstract

The migrant detention centre fire in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico on March 27, 2023 led to 40 dead and 27 more injured. All those effected were migrants. An analysis of this tragedy from a zemiological perspective demonstrates its usefulness in deepening and expanding our understanding of its implications. This is illustrated via three points of analysis. First, zemiology explores several important harms not captured from a criminological standpoint. A key harm in this case is cultural harm. Second, zemiology holds responsible those not subjected to scrutiny by criminology’s state-centred investigation. This shines light on the United States and Mexican governments’ culpability for the fire. Finally, zemiology expands the definition of the victim. Survivors of the fire, as well as the broader migrant community, receive acknowledgement for their suffering. Finally, the implications for immigration policy are touched upon.