Mexico has formally requested that criminal charges be filed in United States courts concerning the deaths of more than a dozen Mexican citizens during immigration enforcement operations by US authorities. On Monday, July 14th, 2026, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that these requests were being lodged with US prosecutors. This announcement came days after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Mexican citizen Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during a raid in Houston on July 7th.

Salgado is reported to be the 17th Mexican national to have died during such raids or while in the custody of US immigration authorities since President Donald Trump returned to office last year. Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco also confirmed on Thursday, July 10th, 2026, that the government planned to request criminal charges in the US.

President Sheinbaum emphasized the broader societal impact, stating, “This is not just a matter for the Mexican government. I call on all political parties, everyone, all of Mexican society, to show solidarity with our fellow citizens in the United States.”

The situation unfolds amid tensions between the two countries, with Trump’s administration having imposed tariffs on Mexico’s economy, declined to renew key trade agreements, and authorized CIA interventions against Mexican drug cartels—actions that have complicated diplomatic relations.

Additionally, Mexico and the CIA have denied reports of US assassination campaigns against cartels, and families of those killed by ICE agents in the US have demanded investigations.

Sources