**Title: Mexico’s Sheinbaum Seeks Criminal Charges in US Over Deaths of Citizens in ICE Custody**
**Date: July 14, 2026**
**By: CyprusDailyLife News Staff**
In a significant diplomatic move, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on July 14, 2026, that her government will formally request the filing of criminal charges in United States courts concerning the deaths of over a dozen Mexican citizens who were either killed by U.S. immigration authorities or died while in their custody. This announcement follows the recent shooting of Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a raid in Houston on July 7.
Salgado's death marks the 17th incident involving Mexican nationals who have died during ICE operations or while held in immigration detention since former President Donald Trump resumed office last year. In her daily press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is not just a matter for the Mexican government. I call on all political parties, everyone, all of Mexican society, to show solidarity with our fellow citizens in the United States. I don’t think anyone approves of this situation.”
Sheinbaum's remarks highlight the delicate balance her administration is attempting to maintain in its relationship with the U.S. government. While she expressed the need to raise concerns about human rights violations against Mexican citizens, she also stressed that Mexico is not seeking to provoke conflict with the United States. “We must raise our voices when there are human rights violations against our fellow citizens,” she reiterated, underscoring her commitment to advocate for the rights of Mexicans abroad.
The request for criminal charges was announced by Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco, who indicated that the government is taking a more assertive stance regarding the deaths linked to Trump’s immigration policies. Mexican officials have classified some of these fatalities as homicides, and previous letters of protest sent to Washington have yielded little to no response.
This latest development arrives at a particularly tense moment in U.S.-Mexico relations. Since Trump’s return to the presidency, he has implemented tariffs that have impacted Mexico’s economy and has refrained from renewing a critical trade agreement between the two nations. Furthermore, Trump’s authorization of direct CIA operations against Mexican drug cartels has placed additional strain on diplomatic ties, complicating Sheinbaum's position.
Despite these challenges, Sheinbaum has managed to maintain a cooperative relationship with Washington, particularly in areas concerning drug trafficking and migration, while also asserting Mexico's sovereignty. This approach has resonated positively with the Mexican public, reflected in her approval rating, which stands at approximately 68 percent.
The request for criminal charges represents the most robust response from Mexico regarding the deaths of its citizens in the context of U.S. immigration enforcement. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how U.S. authorities will respond to Mexico’s formal request and whether it will lead to any substantive changes in immigration policy or enforcement practices.
As discussions continue, the Mexican government is likely to face pressure from both domestic and international audiences to ensure the protection of its citizens, while navigating the complexities of its relationship with the United States.