The Mexican government has formally requested that U.S. state attorneys general initiate criminal investigations into the deaths of migrants who have died while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or during agency raids. This formal request, confirmed by the Mexican Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, follows a series of fatalities that have escalated diplomatic tensions.
Since the beginning of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, 17 Mexican migrants have died during immigration enforcement actions. Of these, 14 occurred while in ICE custody, while three took place during specific agency operations. The Mexican Foreign Ministry noted that it also intends to send a similar request to the U.S. Department of Justice, although the United States is under no legal obligation to act upon these requests.
The push for accountability includes direct letters being sent to U.S. detention centers where Mexican migrants have died. These letters demand that the facilities immediately cease actions or omissions that lead to fatalities, specifically citing the denial of prompt medical care and the implementation of policies that conflict with medical and penitentiary standards. The Adelanto detention center in California, where four Mexican migrants have died, was the first to receive such a notice. According to the ministry, these letters serve as a foundational step toward potential civil litigation against the private companies operating these facilities to address human rights violations.
The diplomatic escalation follows the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican immigrant who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Houston last week. Salgado Araujo, who had lived in the U.S. for 35 years and possessed no criminal record, was killed while driving his construction crew to a job site. While the Department of Homeland Security maintains that the agent fired in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly rammed an ICE vehicle, the incident has triggered protests in Houston and calls for an independent inquiry.
In addition to the requests sent to state attorneys general, Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco has contacted Volker Türk, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights. The letter requests that U.S. authorities gather comprehensive data on these deaths and analyze whether the events align with international human rights obligations. These actions represent a significant shift in the policy of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has previously ordered diplomatic missions to maintain regular contact with detainees and has lodged formal complaints regarding the treatment of migrants.
Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.