**Mexico to Pursue Criminal Investigations in Response to ICE-Related Deaths of Citizens**
**Published: July 9, 2026**
In a significant diplomatic move, the Mexican government has announced its intention to request that U.S. prosecutors initiate criminal investigations into the deaths of Mexican citizens during immigration enforcement operations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision was articulated by President Claudia Sheinbaum during a press conference on Thursday.
President Sheinbaum emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the Mexicans who have died.” She indicated that the Mexican government considers some of these deaths to be homicides and human rights violations. This declaration marks a notable escalation in Mexico's response to a series of fatalities linked to U.S. immigration policies, particularly those enacted during the Trump administration.
The announcement follows a recent incident in which 52-year-old Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Houston. According to the Mexican government, Salgado Araujo had lived in the United States for 35 years, had no criminal record, and was driving a crew to a construction site at the time of the incident. His family has contested the official account provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which claims that Salgado Araujo attempted to ram an ICE agent with his vehicle, prompting the agent to open fire.
The Mexican government has reported that 14 Mexican nationals have died while in ICE custody, with an additional three fatalities occurring during immigration enforcement operations. In light of these incidents, Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco stated that Mexico would escalate its efforts beyond diplomatic protests, which have previously included issuing diplomatic notes to U.S. authorities. Velasco confirmed that Mexico plans to file formal complaints with both state and federal prosecutors in the United States, seeking accountability for those deemed responsible for the deaths.
Additionally, the Mexican government intends to pursue civil lawsuits against private companies operating U.S. immigration detention centers. This proactive approach reflects growing frustration with the treatment of Mexican nationals in U.S. custody and the perceived lack of adequate response from U.S. authorities.
The killing of Salgado Araujo has sparked renewed outrage and protests across the United States, particularly in Houston, where hundreds marched in the Magnolia Park neighborhood, chanting for the removal of ICE from the community. Local officials, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Congress member Sylvia Garcia, have joined calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Salgado Araujo's death.
The issue of deaths in ICE custody has become increasingly pressing, with reports indicating a sharp rise in fatalities. In 2025, 32 detainees died in ICE custody, a significant increase from 11 in 2024. Between January and early June of this year, there have been at least 19 reported deaths. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has disputed claims of a spike in deaths, asserting that ICE detention centers maintain a higher standard of care than many U.S. prisons.
The Mexican government's decision to seek criminal investigations underscores the deepening concerns regarding the treatment of its citizens in the United States. Following the death of another Mexican national in ICE custody in April, Mexico's Foreign Ministry had already ordered consular officials to increase their visits to ICE detention centers, moving from weekly to daily visits to monitor the welfare of detainees.
In response to the ongoing situation, the Foreign Ministry has reiterated its commitment to pursue all available legal and diplomatic avenues to ensure accountability for the deaths of Mexican nationals. The ministry described the repeated occurrences of deaths in custody as "unacceptable," highlighting serious deficiencies in ICE detention centers that are incompatible with human rights standards.
As this situation continues to evolve, the Mexican government’s actions may have significant implications for U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement and the treatment of migrants. The outcome of the proposed investigations and any subsequent legal actions could further influence the dialogue surrounding immigration policy and human rights in both countries.