Mexico Seeks Prosecutions Over Deaths of Citizens in U.S. Custody

Mexico is escalating its diplomatic pressure on the United States by seeking criminal charges related to the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens who died in U.S. custody or during immigration enforcement operations. Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco announced Thursday that the request will be submitted to state prosecutors' offices and the U.S. Department of Justice, urging them to consider charges against those responsible.

This action, which carries no legal weight, is accompanied by civil lawsuits targeting companies that operate detention centers, aiming to halt human rights violations. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico is moving beyond diplomatic channels after an ICE agent recently killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican citizen, in Houston. "We are going to do everything in our power, because we cannot stand silent" in the face of such deaths, Sheinbaum declared.

Salgado Araujo, who had lived in the U.S. for decades, was shot while transporting a work crew. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that ICE officers were initially surveilling the property for a different individual when they stopped Salgado Araujo's van. DHS initially claimed he was targeted for being undocumented and attempted to ram an officer, who then fired in self-defense. However, the department later stated officers were looking for a different person.

According to the Mexican government, 14 Mexicans have died in ICE custody and three during ICE operations. In 2025, ICE detainees saw a two-decade high with 31 deaths. Mexico's government has previously supported victims' families and sent diplomatic notes regarding these incidents.

“

We are going to do everything in our power, because we cannot stand silent.