Mexico to file complaints in US over ICE-related deaths of 17 Mexicans

Mexico to Escalate Legal Action Against U.S. Over ICE-Linked Immigrant Deaths

Mexico to file complaints in US over - Mexico has initiated legal proceedings against the United States, alleging that the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals during immigration operations were the result of criminal conduct. The move comes as part of a broader effort to hold U.S. authorities accountable for fatalities linked to the Interior Immigration Service (ICE), according to Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco.

A New Approach to Justice

Velasco announced Thursday that the Mexican government would transition from diplomatic channels to direct legal action. "We will now pursue criminal inquiries through U.S. prosecutors’ offices, seeking accountability for these tragic events," he stated. The decision follows a pattern of escalating tensions over the treatment of immigrants in detention.

"We cannot ignore the deaths of Mexicans in ICE operations or their mistreatment in privately run detention facilities," Velasco emphasized.

The fatalities include 14 individuals who died while in ICE custody and three others who perished during enforcement actions. Mexico will also issue cease-and-desist letters to private companies managing U.S. detention centers, a step Velasco described as a "legal tool to initiate civil lawsuits."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security responded by asserting that all detainees are provided due process and adequate care, while ICE officers are trained to apply the least force necessary. CNN has sought comments from the Department of Justice regarding Mexico’s plans.

The latest incident involves Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican immigrant who was fatally shot by an ICE officer during a traffic stop on Tuesday. U.S. authorities claim he resisted arrest and attempted to run over the officer, who fired "in self-defense." His family, however, portrays him as a dedicated worker who had resided in the U.S. for nearly three decades.

Salgado Araujo’s relatives described him as a "hardworking man" who became terrified when unmarked vehicles pursued him. This case has prompted Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to declare the deaths as "homicides" and "human rights violations," marking a significant escalation in the government’s response.

Previously, Mexico had issued 11 diplomatic protest notes to the U.S. over similar incidents. Despite these efforts, the U.S. has maintained that investigations are ongoing. The current action signals a shift toward international advocacy, with Mexico planning to submit requests to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations human rights office.

Byline: CNN’s Dalia Faheid, Chris Boyette, Karina Tsui, Caroll Alvarado, Verónica Calderón, and Michael Rios contributed to this report.