Mexico files 20 complaints in US over deaths of 17 citizens under ICE custody

The Mexican government has escalated its response to the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals in the United States, filing 20 criminal complaints with state and county prosecutors in eight states and urging federal investigations. The actions follow the July 9 announcement by President Claudia Sheinbaum and come amid rising tensions after the U.S. returned Mexico's protest letters, accusing it of interference.

Legal and diplomatic actions

On July 13, Ambassador Roberto Lazzeri presented 20 complaints: eight to state prosecutors and 12 to county prosecutors in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas Source: Excelsior. The following day, the embassy sent a complaint from the Attorney General's Office to the U.S. Department of Justice, requesting formal investigations Source: Milenio. Separately, Mexico sent cease-and-desist letters to private detention centers and sought intervention from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Source: Infobae.

U.S. response and tension

The U.S. returned Mexico's protest letters, with the State Department's Michael Kozak stating they "attempted to dictate the actions of U.S. government personnel operating on U.S. sovereign territory" and recommended using diplomatic channels Source: El País. This has been seen as a strain in bilateral relations, though Mexico insists it respects U.S. sovereignty while demanding accountability Source: Excelsior.

Broader context

• The deaths include 14 in detention centers and three during ICE operations since May 2025 Source: Heraldo de México.
• The case of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, shot by ICE in Houston on July 7, intensified the crisis Source: Diario Libre.
• Mexico's consular network is providing legal aid and repatriation support to families Source: La Jornada.