Mexico Pivots to Criminal Complaints Over Migrant Deaths in U.S.

The government’s decision follows a surge in casualties tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. According to Velasco, 14 Mexican nationals have died while in ICE custody, with an additional three killed during agency arrest operations. The move marks a significant escalation in tensions, as Mexico seeks judicial accountability rather than relying on standard diplomatic channels.

Local outrage intensified this week after an ICE agent shot and killed 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston. Salgado had resided in the U.S. for three decades before the encounter, which triggered immediate public protests. His death brings the total number of individuals shot dead during immigration enforcement operations to at least six since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. The administration’s aggressive mass deportation campaign continues to face scrutiny as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice remain silent on the pending legal action.