Mexico Pursues Criminal Action Against US Over Immigrant Deaths
Diplomatic Relations Enter New Phase
Sandego.net – Mexico is taking a significant step forward in addressing the tragic loss of its citizens within American borders. The nation has decided to pursue criminal investigations in the United States concerning seventeen Mexican nationals who perished during immigration enforcement activities under President Donald Trump’s second administration. This represents a substantial shift in approach, moving beyond traditional diplomatic channels to seek direct legal recourse through American prosecutorial bodies.
Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco made the announcement on Thursday, explaining that his government would file formal complaints with US prosecutors’ offices. The objective is to secure a thorough criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding these deaths. According to Velasco’s detailed breakdown, fourteen of the seventeen victims were found deceased while held in ICE custody, while three others lost their lives during active operations conducted by the agency.
Legal Mechanisms and Private Companies
Beyond pursuing criminal investigations, Mexico is implementing additional legal strategies to hold responsible parties accountable. The government plans to distribute cease and desist letters to private corporations operating detention facilities where Mexican deaths have been documented. Velasco characterized these letters as an important legal mechanism that initiates civil proceedings against the companies involved.
This multi-pronged approach reflects Mexico’s determination to address both governmental and corporate responsibilities. The private companies contracted by ICE to manage detention centers will now face potential civil liability for conditions that contributed to the deaths of Mexican nationals. This represents an escalation from the eleven diplomatic notes of protest that Mexico has already submitted to the United States regarding these incidents.
Recent Tragedy Highlights Growing Concerns
The latest victim to receive attention is Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a fifty-two-year-old man who was fatally shot by an ICE officer on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop, with US authorities maintaining that Salgado Araujo resisted arrest and attempted to run over the officer. The officer ultimately fired his weapon in what they described as an act of self-defense.
Family members of Salgado Araujo have painted a different picture of the events. They described him as a dedicated worker who had spent nearly thirty-five years in the United States, building homes in Houston throughout his residence. According to relatives, he became alarmed when he noticed unmarked vehicles following him during his morning drive, which may have contributed to his reaction during the encounter.
Presidential Response and International Appeal
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Thursday that her administration would escalate the matter following what her government considers to be homicides and violations of human rights. She emphasized that Mexico cannot ignore the deaths of its citizens occurring in ICE operations or within detention centers run by private companies under contract with the agency.
The Mexican government is also preparing to bring these concerns to international forums. According to Foreign Minister Velasco, Mexico will submit formal requests to both the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations human rights chief. This international dimension adds additional pressure on the United States to address these issues comprehensively.
The US Department of Homeland Security responded to these developments with a statement affirming that all immigrant detainees receive full due process and proper care. The department also noted that ICE officers are trained to utilize the minimum amount of force necessary during their operations. CNN has contacted the US Department of Justice to obtain additional commentary on Mexico’s planned actions.
“We are going to move beyond the diplomatic realm and go directly to the US prosecutors’ offices to file complaints about these events, requesting a criminal investigation into what happened,” Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco announced.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the Mexicans who have died in ICE operations or who were detained in these detention centers operated by private companies contracted by ICE,” President Claudia Sheinbaum declared.
This comprehensive strategy demonstrates Mexico’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad through multiple legal and diplomatic avenues. The combination of criminal investigations, civil actions against private companies, and international appeals creates a robust framework for addressing these ongoing concerns.
CNN’s Dalia Faheid, Chris Boyette, Karina Tsui, Caroll Alvarado, Verónica Calderón, and Michael Rios contributed to this report.
