Mexico Seeks Legal Action Over Deaths Of Migrants In United States Custody

Mexico said on Thursday that it would seek criminal prosecutions in the United States over the deaths of Mexican migrants during immigration enforcement operations carried out under President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign. Mexican officials said they would pursue legal action through US prosecutors rather than limiting their response to diplomatic channels. Mexico's Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco said at least 17 Mexican citizens have died while in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or during federal immigration raids since Trump returned to the White House last year.

He said the Mexican government would continue supporting affected families and seek accountability in cases involving the deaths of Mexican nationals. The latest case involved 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent on Tuesday while sitting in his work truck in Houston. Salgado had reportedly lived and worked in the United States for more than three decades. His death has drawn attention from Mexican authorities, who are seeking a legal review of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. US authorities have defended the actions of the ICE agent involved, saying the officer fired in self-defence.

According to the US government's account, Salgado attempted to avoid arrest and allegedly used his vehicle in a manner that posed a threat to law enforcement. Officials said the agent responded after perceiving a risk during the attempted apprehension. Salgado's death is believed to be the first fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents since two Americans were killed by law enforcement officers in Minneapolis in January, an incident that triggered protests and renewed debate over immigration enforcement practices in the United States.

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Speaking during Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily press conference, Foreign Minister Velasco said Mexico would move beyond diplomatic discussions and directly approach legal authorities in the United States. "We are going to skip the diplomatic sphere and go directly to prosecutors in the United States," Velasco said, emphasising Mexico's intention to pursue formal investigations. The issue has added further tension to the already complex relationship between Mexico and the United States over immigration policies.

The Trump administration has prioritised large-scale deportation operations, increasing enforcement activities against undocumented migrants across the country. The policy has faced criticism from migrant rights groups, who have raised concerns about due process, family separations and the treatment of individuals during enforcement actions. Mexican officials have repeatedly stated that while they respect US immigration laws, they expect Mexican citizens to receive fair treatment and protection of their rights while living in the United States.

The government has expanded legal assistance programmes for migrants and has urged US authorities to ensure that immigration enforcement operations comply with legal standards. The Mexican government's decision to seek prosecutions marks a significant escalation in its response to migrant deaths linked to US enforcement actions. As investigations continue into Salgado's death and other reported cases, the issue is expected to remain a major point of discussion between the two neighbouring countries. Further legal proceedings in the United States could determine whether criminal charges are pursued against officials involved in these incidents.

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