Mexico has formally filed criminal complaints in US federal and local courts over the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals who died either in immigration detention or during ICE operations since Donald Trump returned to office [1, 2, 3]. Of those deaths, 14 occurred in custody while three were killed during ICE raids [1, 2, 3].

One of the most high-profile cases is that of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot and killed by ICE agents in Houston on July 7, 2026, during a raid as he was on his way to work [1, 2, 3]. Salgado Araujo had lived in the US for nearly 30 to 35 years and had no criminal record [1, 3]. The Department of Homeland Security claims he weaponized his vehicle and attempted to hit an ICE officer, but this account is disputed by three other men who were in the car with him [1].

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the outrage caused by these deaths compelled Mexico to escalate from diplomatic protests to legal action in the US. "It’s a case that sparks outrage among all Mexicans. We cannot simply continue with diplomatic letters that have yielded no results," she said [1]. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry had sent diplomatic letters to Washington before filing the complaints but received no satisfactory response [1, 2, 3].

On July 13, Sheinbaum announced Mexico’s plan to file the complaints, which were formally submitted to the US Justice Department and state prosecutors the next day [1, 2, 3]. Sheinbaum emphasized the complaints are not intended to create conflict with the US but to demand respect for human rights. "This is not about creating conflict. Far from it. But neither can we, as a government and as Mexican men and women, say, ‘Let’s not say anything so there won’t be any problem with our relationship with President Trump’s government,’" she said [1]. She also called on all political parties and Mexican society to show solidarity with Mexicans living in the US [2].

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry has communicated the complaints and concerns to US Ambassador Ron Johnson, who was described as receptive. Sheinbaum said, "He was very receptive to our concerns regarding alleged human rights violations against Mexican men and women in detention centers, as well as the deaths of three Mexican nationals during ICE operations" [3].

Relations between Mexico and the US have grown strained recently amid reports of unauthorized CIA operations in Mexico and US legal charges against Mexican officials for cartel ties [1, 2].

The legal process initiated by Mexico marks a significant escalation after repeated diplomatic efforts produced no results. The complaints against US immigration authorities focus on the 17 migrant deaths recorded since Trump returned to office. Mexican officials will now await the US judicial system’s response.