In Mexico City, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is increasing pressure on U.S. authorities for investigations into migrant deaths linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. The president highlighted the cases of 17 Mexican citizens who died while either in ICE custody or during ICE operations. ‘Our obligation is to always defend Mexicans in the United States or anywhere,’ Sheinbaum stated.
Sheinbaum initiated efforts by instructing Mexican diplomats to file complaints with state attorneys general and district attorneys across the United States. This move aims to prompt investigations into these deaths. Recently, Sheinbaum emphasized the need for attention following the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican citizen living in the U.S. for 30 years, by ICE agents in Houston.
The Mexican government is adopting a strategy beyond traditional diplomatic protests. Previously, they assisted families with legal advice and facilitated the return of remains. However, results remain limited. The Department of Justice and several state and district attorneys’ offices have not publicly confirmed any prosecutions related to these deaths.
The Americans don’t seem to be paying much attention,” said Víctor Clark, a long-time human rights advocate in Tijuana. “What Mexico is doing is basically a bureaucratic step with no real response.
Legally, Mexico encounters challenges. While they use ‘denuncias’ (complaints), they lack direct standing in U.S. courts. According to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick from the American Immigration Council, requests for investigations from Mexico carry more weight than those from private citizens but still face limitations.
Since the beginning of the second term of President Trump, reports note at least 52 migrant deaths in ICE custody, including 14 Mexicans. Nine deaths occurred during agency operations since 2025. Despite some acknowledgment from states like California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois, responses remain limited.
Florida’s attorney general acknowledged ICE’s finding that Royer Pérez Jiménez’s death in a detention center was a ‘presumed suicide.’ In contrast, Ventura County and others claim to evaluate complaints but provide little communication.
Controversies have arisen at facilities like the private Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, where four Mexican nationals died. Allegations of abuse and neglect led to a class-action lawsuit and demands for facility improvements.
ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, deny any neglect or abuse. Statements insist detainees receive proper care, including healthcare and legal access.
Following a fourth Mexican death at Adelanto, the Mexican government vowed to highlight detention center conditions. The widow of José Guadalupe Ramos Solano, who died at Adelanto, seeks justice and change.
Reports indicate the San Bernardino County district attorney received communications from Mexico but no criminal charges have followed. Efforts continue to seek justice and honor the rights of affected families.