Immigration – Mexico Launches Legal Action in US Over Deaths of Citizens in ICE Custody
Immigration –Mexico has intensified its diplomatic and legal response after reporting the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals linked to operations or detention under the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since May 2025. The Mexican Foreign Ministry said it has formally initiated multiple legal complaints in the United States, seeking independent investigations and greater transparency into the circumstances surrounding each case.
Legal Complaints Filed Across Multiple US States
According to an official statement released by Mexico’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, Mexican Ambassador to the United States Roberto Lazzeri submitted a total of 20 legal complaints on July 13. These included eight filings with state prosecutors and 12 with county prosecutors in the jurisdictions where the deaths reportedly occurred.
The cases span several states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas. Mexican authorities said the legal measures are intended to establish the facts surrounding each incident and ensure that any potential misconduct is thoroughly examined through the US justice system.
Embassy Seeks Federal Investigation
In addition to the state and county-level complaints, the Mexican Embassy presented a separate legal request prepared by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office to the US Department of Justice on July 14. Through this submission, Mexico formally requested federal investigations into the reported deaths and asked US authorities to provide regular updates on the progress of those inquiries.
Officials said the move reflects the government’s commitment to pursuing accountability while maintaining diplomatic engagement with American institutions responsible for immigration enforcement and justice.
Concerns Raised Over Detention Conditions
The Foreign Ministry also confirmed that Ambassador Lazzeri held meetings with officials from the US Department of Homeland Security and ICE. During those discussions, he conveyed Mexico’s concerns regarding conditions inside immigration detention facilities, including centres operated by private contractors.
Mexican representatives requested detailed explanations for each reported death and urged US authorities to ensure that detention standards comply with legal and humanitarian obligations. The government said it remains focused on protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens regardless of where they are detained.
Appeal Sent to UN Human Rights Office
Mexico has also taken the issue to the international level. Deputy Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco sent a letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, requesting that the UN office collect information on the reported cases.
The letter asked the UN to evaluate the incidents under applicable international human rights standards and issue technical recommendations that could help strengthen oversight and accountability in similar situations. Mexican officials believe international scrutiny could contribute to a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Support for Families Continues
The Foreign Ministry said Mexico’s network of consulates across the United States continues to assist the families of the deceased. Consular officials are providing legal guidance, coordinating the repatriation of remains and helping relatives complete administrative procedures related to the cases.
Authorities emphasized that support for affected families remains a priority while investigations continue through both domestic and international channels.
President Raises Separate Questions Over Zambada Arrest
In a separate development involving bilateral relations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum renewed questions about the United States’ role in the 2024 arrest of alleged Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Her remarks came shortly after Zambada received a life prison sentence in New York.
Speaking during her daily news briefing, Sheinbaum questioned what she described as inconsistencies between Washington’s official position and the public display of the aircraft used to transport Zambada from Mexico to the United States. She argued that Mexico has yet to receive sufficient information explaining the circumstances of the operation, which Mexican authorities say contributed to escalating violence in the state of Sinaloa.