Mexico files 20 complaints in U.S. over deaths linked to ICE

MEXICO CITY, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Mexico has filed 20 complaints with prosecutors in the United States over the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens during operations or while in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since May 2025, Mexico's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

In a statement, the ministry said Mexican Ambassador to the United States Roberto Lazzeri filed eight complaints with state prosecutors and 12 with county prosecutors on July 13 in jurisdictions where the deaths occurred, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas.

The ministry said the complaints were part of legal actions aimed at clarifying the cases.

It said the Mexican Embassy also submitted a complaint prepared by Mexico's Attorney General's Office to the U.S. Department of Justice on July 14, formally requesting investigations and updates on their progress.

Lazzeri also met with officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE to express Mexico's concern over conditions in detention centers, including those operated by private companies, and to request clarification of each case.

Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco also sent a letter to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, asking his office to gather information, assess the cases under international human rights instruments and issue technical recommendations.

The ministry said Mexico's consular network continues to provide legal support and assistance to the families of the deceased, including help with the repatriation of remains and other requested procedures. Enditem