Outrage and Legal Action: Mexico Files 17 Criminal Complaints in the U.S. Over Migrant Deaths in ICE Custody

Original article: Indignación y acción legal: México presenta 17 denuncias penales en EE.UU. por muertes de migrantes bajo custodia del ICE

Diplomatic patience has run out. Mexico is no longer willing to exchange formal notes while its citizens die unanswered in U.S. detention centers. President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken the matter to court by formally submitting 17 criminal complaints to the U.S. Department of Justice and state prosecutors regarding the deaths of a similar number of compatriots during operations or within the facilities of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Sheinbaum deemed the unexplained deaths of Mexican citizens as unacceptable. The case that sparked significant reaction was that of Lorenzo Salgado, who, in the president’s words, was effectively “executed” by ICE personnel. This incident, she stated, raised concern even among U.S. authorities, such as the Mayor of Houston.

In statements reported by La Jornada, the president insisted that a Mexican dying in a detention center “without any explanation or with a claim of suicide that lacks clear clarification” is outrageous.

“This last case, that of Lorenzo Salgado, has generated outrage in the United States, even from the Mayor of Houston,” she emphasized.

The message to Washington was direct and clear. Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco, personally informed the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, that the Mexican government would pursue legal action in these cases.

“We cannot just continue with diplomatic notes.”

Sheinbaum acknowledged that the diplomat was receptive to the Mexican government’s concerns, but made it clear that “we cannot simply keep exchanging diplomatic notes that have yielded no results.”

The Mexican government demands an impartial investigation from Washington to shed light on each death. The demand encompasses both the 14 migrants who died in detention centers and the three who lost their lives during ICE operations. Alongside legal actions in the United States, Mexico will seek the intervention of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, aiming for international accompaniment to ensure transparency in the process.

Sheinbaum clearly stated that this decision is not intended to strain bilateral relations; rather, it fulfills an inescapable obligation. “It is the responsibility of any government to defend its nationals abroad,” she highlighted, dismissing the notion that the measure represents a shift in trade and security relations with the United States.

The president emphasized: “This is not about provoking conflicts; far from it, but as a government, we cannot remain silent out of fear of potential problems in the relationship with President Donald Trump’s administration.”

The president’s call transcended partisan lines and urged the Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Union and all political organizations to support the Mexican government’s demand for clarification on these cases. She acknowledged that while there may be differences on various issues of the national agenda, when it comes to defending nationals abroad, it is possible to unify efforts to demand respect for their human rights.

“Imagine if we were negligent,” the president reflected, making it clear that silence is not an option.

“We have a commercial and security relationship, but we must raise our voice when there are violations of human rights involving our nationals and take action. We should agree on this, regardless of our political positions,” she reiterated.