Mexico Takes Legal Action Over Deaths of Mexican Nationals in the United States

In keeping with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's instructions and her commitment to protect and defend Mexican nationals abroad, the Mexican government will take a series of legal actions concerning the deaths of Mexican nationals in detention centers and operations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Speaking at the morning press conference, Secretary Velasco outlined the actions being taken to strengthen human rights protections for Mexican nationals living in the United States, following the death of Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado during an ICE operation in Houston, Texas.

The secretary reported that 17 Mexican nationals have died in incidents linked to ICE actions or while in ICE custody-14 in detention centers and three during operations. He also reported that 11 diplomatic notes of formal protest have been sent to the U.S. government seeking clarification of each case.

He said President Sheinbaum has instructed that a legal strategy be pursued, including requesting support from the Attorney General's Office to formally file complaints with state prosecutors' offices and the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as pursuing civil action against the companies that operate the detention centers, including sending them cease-and-desist letters over the practices and human rights violations by private detention center operators that led to the deaths of 14 Mexican nationals.

The strategy also includes requesting precautionary and protective measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for Mexican nationals held in these centers, and calling on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure the protection of Mexicans in the custody of the U.S. agency.

This legal strategy builds on efforts the Foreign Ministry has already been pursuing, including the legal and humanitarian support that Mexican consulates and the embassy in the United States have provided to affected families.

"This is the most important issue facing the Ministry right now (...) it will be a central point in our conversations with the U.S. government," he concluded.

The Foreign Ministry reiterates that it will continue to ensure that Mexican nationals subject to immigration proceedings in the United States receive dignified treatment, adequate conditions, and full respect for their rights, regardless of their immigration status.