Mexico has launched legal actions in the United States by filing complaints with state prosecutors over the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens in immigration detention or during enforcement raids. This marks Mexico's strongest response to fatalities linked to US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies since he returned to office in January 2025.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the move on Tuesday, highlighting concerns over practices that may have contributed to these deaths, including delays in medical care and detention policies that allegedly fall short of medical and prison standards. Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Alvarez also reached out to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, requesting an investigation into whether these deaths comply with US international obligations.

These actions follow measures announced last week by Mexico City’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, shortly after a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Mexican citizen Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during a raid in Houston, Texas, on 7 July 2026.

Mexico’s legal steps include cease-and-desist letters demanding an end to harmful detention practices. The complaints and diplomatic efforts underscore ongoing tensions between Mexico and the US over immigration enforcement and the treatment of migrants.

Sources