Date: July 14, 2026 l By Kimberly Wilson
MEXICO CITY — The Mexican government has formally begun filing criminal complaints with state prosecutors in the United States over the deaths of Mexican nationals in U.S. immigration custody and during immigration enforcement operations, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration could no longer remain silent after a series of deaths involving Mexican citizens held by U.S. immigration authorities. Officials said the legal actions are intended to seek accountability and ensure that investigations are conducted into incidents that Mexico believes may involve human rights violations.
According to the Mexican government, at least 17 Mexican nationals have died since the beginning of the current U.S. administration. Fourteen of those deaths reportedly occurred while individuals were in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while three others died during immigration enforcement operations.
The latest legal action follows the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican national, during an ICE operation in Houston. Mexican officials have described the incident as deeply concerning and have called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Mexico's Foreign Ministry said it has submitted criminal complaints to state prosecutors where the deaths occurred and plans to send similar requests to the U.S. Department of Justice. While U.S. authorities are not legally required to pursue the cases, Mexico hopes the complaints will prompt thorough investigations and possible criminal accountability where appropriate.
In addition to the criminal complaints, Mexican authorities have issued cease-and-desist letters to several detention facilities where Mexican nationals have died, demanding improvements in detention conditions and better protection for detainees. Officials also said civil lawsuits are being prepared against private companies that operate some immigration detention centers, alleging negligence and failures to protect detainees' rights.
Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco has also appealed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, requesting international scrutiny of the deaths and urging the U.N. Human Rights Council to examine the cases. Mexico argues that international oversight is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has defended its immigration detention system, stating that detainees receive due process, appropriate medical care, and humane treatment. The department has also disputed claims that migrant deaths have significantly increased under current immigration enforcement policies.
The dispute comes as immigration continues to be one of the most contentious issues in U.S.-Mexico relations. President Sheinbaum has repeatedly stated that protecting the rights of Mexican citizens abroad remains one of her administration's highest priorities, regardless of their immigration status.
Human rights organizations have welcomed Mexico's decision to pursue legal action, arguing that independent investigations into deaths in immigration custody are essential for ensuring accountability and improving detention conditions. Advocacy groups have long called for greater oversight of immigration detention facilities and stronger safeguards for migrants held by federal authorities.
As legal proceedings move forward, the complaints are expected to place additional pressure on U.S. authorities to review detention practices and investigate the deaths of Mexican nationals. The cases are also likely to remain a key point of discussion in broader diplomatic talks between Washington and Mexico City over immigration policy and cross-border cooperation.