Mexico to file complaints in US over ICE-related deaths of 17 Mexicans

Mexico Pursues Criminal Action Following Wave of Immigrant Deaths in American Custody

Escalating Beyond Diplomacy

Mexico to file complaints in US over – Mexico is preparing to launch a formal criminal investigation within the United States concerning the tragic deaths of seventeen of its citizens during immigration enforcement activities. This development comes amid the second presidential term of Donald Trump, when tensions over border policies have intensified. Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco revealed on Thursday that his nation will bypass traditional diplomatic channels and approach American prosecutors directly. The goal is to secure a thorough criminal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding these fatalities.

“We are going to move beyond the diplomatic realm and go directly to the US prosecutors’ offices to file complaints about these events, requesting a criminal investigation into what happened,” Velasco declared during his announcement. This strategic shift represents a significant escalation in Mexico’s response to what it views as systemic failures in how immigrant detainees are treated.

Breaking Down the Numbers

According to Velasco’s latest figures, fourteen of the seventeen deceased Mexicans were found dead while held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. The remaining three individuals perished during active operations conducted by the agency. These statistics have galvanized Mexican officials to take more aggressive legal action rather than relying solely on diplomatic correspondence.

In addition to pursuing criminal charges, Mexico plans to issue cease and desist letters to private corporations operating detention facilities where Mexican deaths have been documented. Velasco explained that these letters serve as “a legal mechanism … through which a civil action is initiated,” providing another layer of accountability for the companies involved.

Government Responses and Ongoing Investigations

The United States Department of Homeland Security issued a statement to CNN asserting that all immigrant detainees receive comprehensive due process and appropriate medical care. The agency emphasized that ICE officers are “trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary” during enforcement activities. CNN has also contacted the US Department of Justice to obtain additional commentary regarding Mexico’s planned legal actions.

This announcement introduces a fresh approach for the Mexican government, which has previously submitted eleven diplomatic notes of protest to Washington concerning the deaths. According to Velasco, American authorities have indicated that investigations into these incidents are currently in progress, though Mexico remains unsatisfied with the pace and depth of those inquiries.

A Father’s Tragic End

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo emerged as the most recent Mexican national to die in connection with immigration enforcement. The fifty-two-year-old was fatally shot by an ICE officer on Tuesday during a routine traffic stop. American officials maintain that Salgado Araujo resisted arrest and attempted to run over the officer, prompting the officer to fire “in self-defense.” His family has characterized him as a dedicated worker who resided in the United States for approximately thirty-five years. They reported that he became alarmed upon noticing unmarked vehicles trailing him.

For three and a half decades, a Mexican father constructed homes in Houston. Then a morning drive ended in tragedy. Two days following his death, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Thursday that her administration would elevate the matter, characterizing the incidents as “homicides” and “violations of human rights.” Sheinbaum stated, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the Mexicans who have died in ICE operations or who were detained in these detention centers operated by private companies contracted by ICE.”

International Dimensions

Mexico intends to broaden its efforts by appealing to international bodies. Velasco confirmed that his government will submit formal requests to both the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations human rights chief. These appeals aim to secure international scrutiny and potentially pressure American authorities to address the concerns raised.

The evolving situation highlights growing friction between the two nations over immigration enforcement practices. As Mexico pursues multiple avenues of redress—criminal, civil, diplomatic, and international—the case of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and the sixteen others who have died serves as a catalyst for potential policy changes on both sides of the border.

CNN’s Dalia Faheid, Chris Boyette, Karina Tsui, Caroll Alvarado, Verónica Calderón and Michael Rios contributed to this report.