Mexico to file criminal complaints over migrants killed by ICE in US

Mexico plans to file criminal complaints in the United States over the deaths of more than a dozen Mexican migrants, including those killed during immigration operations and while in U.S. detention. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the move Monday, calling the recent killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston "practically murdered."

"It's a case that sparks outrage among all Mexicans," Sheinbaum stated during her morning news conference. "We cannot simply continue with diplomatic letters that have yielded no results." Since former President Donald Trump began his migrant crackdown, 17 Mexican citizens have died: 14 in detention and three killed during immigration operations, like Salgado Araujo on July 7. He was shot while heading to work with three other men, who contradict the Department of Homeland Security's claim that Salgado Araujo "weaponized" his vehicle.

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It's a case that sparks outrage among all Mexicans. We cannot simply continue with diplomatic letters that have yielded no results.

Salgado Araujo, who had lived in the U.S. for nearly 35 years and had no criminal history, is one of several cases straining relations between the two countries. In April, reports surfaced of CIA agents operating in Mexico without authorization, and the U.S. Justice Department charged several Mexican officials with alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel. Sheinbaum has refused to extradite one governor, citing a lack of evidence.

"This is not about creating conflict. Far from it," Sheinbaum said. "But neither can we, as a government and as Mexican men and women, say, ‘Let’s not say anything so there won’t be any problem with our relationship with President Trump’s government.’" Mexico has frequently called for the respect of its citizens' human rights in the U.S., but Sheinbaum indicated her government would now pursue legal action in U.S. federal and local courts.

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This is not about creating conflict. Far from it. But neither can we, as a government and as Mexican men and women, say, ‘Let’s not say anything so there won’t be any problem with our relationship with President Trump’s government.’