Mexico to Seek U.S. Criminal Complaints Over Deaths of Citizens During Immigration Operations

Mexico announced it will formally request U.S. prosecutors to initiate criminal investigations into the deaths of its citizens during immigration enforcement operations, marking the government's most forceful response to date concerning fatalities linked to U.S. deportation policies. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated at a press conference that Mexico "cannot turn a blind eye to the Mexicans who have died."

"We made the decision, obviously, we will maintain diplomatic relations, to file a formal complaint with both state and federal prosecutors in the United States against whoever is found responsible for what we consider to be homicides or, in other cases, for human rights violations," Sheinbaum said. This action escalates Mexico's stance beyond diplomatic protests, as repeated attempts to engage U.S. authorities on the issue have reportedly failed.

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We made the decision, obviously, we will maintain diplomatic relations, to file a formal complaint with both state and federal prosecutors in the United States against whoever is found responsible for what we consider to be homicides or, in other cases, for human rights violations.

Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco detailed that Mexico plans to pursue criminal complaints with U.S. prosecutors and also intends to file civil lawsuits against private companies operating U.S. immigration detention centers. According to Mexico's government, 14 Mexican nationals have died in ICE custody, and three others have been killed during immigration enforcement operations.

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We are going to move beyond the diplomatic sphere and go directly to US prosecutors to file complaints regarding these incidents, requesting that they are investigated as criminal matters.

The recent killing of 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston has intensified outrage over ICE tactics. Salgado Araujo's family disputes the Department of Homeland Security's account that he ignored commands and attempted to ram an agent with his vehicle. They assert he had lived in the U.S. for 35 years, had no criminal record, and was working toward legal status when he was killed while driving a crew to a construction site.

His death has fueled calls for a full investigation from his family, politicians, and civil rights groups. Protests have occurred in Houston, with demonstrators chanting "ICE out of Houston."

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Mexico cannot turn a blind eye to the Mexicans who have died.