Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that the Federal Government will carry out all actions within its reach to address the cases of Mexican nationals who have lost their lives in situations related to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), through formal complaints and diplomatic efforts.
During the morning press conference “Las mañaneras del pueblo,” the president said that Mexico cannot remain silent regarding the deaths of Mexican citizens during ICE operations or while they were detained in facilities managed by private companies contracted by the U.S. agency. She also reiterated Mexico’s consular support and assistance to the affected families.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco Álvarez, reported that there are records of 17 Mexican nationals who have died in incidents related to ICE. Of this number, 14 lost their lives while in custody at detention centers, and three during agency operations, including the case of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who died on July 7 after being shot by ICE agents in Houston, Texas.
As part of the actions being taken, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) will request support from the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic (FGR) to file formal complaints before state prosecutors’ offices and the United States Department of Justice against those responsible for the deaths of Mexican nationals while in custody and during ICE operations.
In addition, the Government of Mexico announced that it will send cease-and-desist letters to the private companies responsible for operating ICE detention centers, with the purpose of demanding changes in conditions identified as possible violations of human rights. It was also reported that Mexico has sent 11 diplomatic protest notes to the U.S. government and requested the intervention of international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
