In response to a rise in migrant deaths during U.S. immigration enforcement, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to increase pressure on American authorities for investigations. Sheinbaum voices concern over 17 Mexican citizens who have died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody or during ICE actions.
Sheinbaum has instructed Mexican diplomats to lodge complaints with state attorneys general across the U.S., urging investigations into these deaths. She emphasized the importance of defending Mexican citizens abroad, especially after the recent fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a long-time resident of the U.S., by ICE agents in Houston.
This move marks a shift from Mexico’s usual method of addressing such issues through diplomatic routes and support for families. However, results have been limited. Despite appeals to the U.S. Department of Justice and several state offices, no prosecutions have been publicly confirmed.
“The reality is that the Mexican government has little standing to file complaints in the U.S.,” stated Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council.
A report by Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights cites at least 52 migrant deaths in ICE custody since the start of the Trump administration, including 14 Mexicans. Additionally, nine more deaths have occurred during ICE operations since 2025.
ICE asserts thorough investigations into all deaths in custody. Yet, critics argue that these cases are not sufficiently pursued by the administration. Mexican officials acknowledge a lack of responses to their inquiries, with few states even confirming receipt of their demands.
The Adelanto ICE Processing Center, operated by Geo Group, has witnessed multiple Mexican detainee deaths. Detainee representatives have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging abuse and neglect at the facility. A federal judge has ordered improvements at Adelanto, but both ICE and Geo Group deny any misconduct.
The Mexican government remains committed to pursuing all available legal and diplomatic measures. It aims to draw global attention to the conditions in U.S. detention centers and prevent further tragedies.
Times staff writers McDonnell and Vives contributed from Mexico City and Los Angeles, with additional reporting by Cecilia Sánchez Vidal in Mexico City.