Mexico has announced plans to seek a criminal investigation in the United States over the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals linked to immigration enforcement operations during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco said the government would move beyond diplomatic protests and file complaints directly with US prosecutors, requesting a criminal investigation into the deaths.
According to Velasco, 14 of the victims died while in ICE custody, while three others died during immigration enforcement operations.
Mexico also plans to send cease-and-desist letters to private companies operating detention centres where some of the deaths occurred.
The move follows the death of 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer during a traffic stop. US authorities said the officer acted in self-defence after Salgado allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to run him over.
Reacting to the developments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government could not ignore what it considers possible human rights violations and killings involving Mexican citizens.
Mexico has already issued 11 diplomatic protests to the US and now plans to take the matter to international bodies, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations human rights office.
