Mexico to file criminal, civil complaints over ICE agent's fatal shooting of immigrant

Mexico is escalating its response to the fatal shooting of one of its citizens by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will file criminal complaints with U.S. prosecutors and civil lawsuits against private companies operating U.S. immigration detention centers.

“

We cannot look away from this.

"We cannot look away from this," Sheinbaum said at a press conference, emphasizing that Mexico's action goes beyond diplomatic protests. She described the recent death of a Mexican national during an ICE operation as not only tragic but also seemingly targeted. Mexico plans to file official complaints with state and federal prosecutors in the U.S. and take legal action for human rights violations in other cases.

The move follows the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, who was shot by an ICE agent during a traffic stop in Houston on July 7. Araujo, a father of three, had lived in Houston for 35 years as an undocumented immigrant and was recently in the process of obtaining work authorization. His family denies ICE's claim that Araujo drove his van at the agent and the vehicle, demanding an independent investigation.

“

The person who is responsible will be officially reported to the U.S. state and federal prosecutors, and we will take legal action for human rights violations in other cases.

The incident occurred in Magnolia Park, a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood known as 'Little Mexico.' Residents protested the shooting, and vigils have been held. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains that detainee mortality rates have not increased under the Trump administration and that all detainees receive due process and necessary services. However, reports indicate at least six people have died in shootings during immigration enforcement actions since January 2023.

“

The U.S. 7th Air Force has significant military interests in the Gwangju base and will continue to cooperate closely with the Republic of Korea Air Force to meet all requirements and maintain a strong combined readiness posture.