Mexico has intensified its opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown by launching legal action over the deaths of Mexican nationals linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, positioning itself as the strongest critic of the administration’s enforcement policies in Latin America.
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government will seek investigations into the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens who have died during ICE operations or while in immigration detention. The cases will be pursued through the U.S. Department of Justice, state prosecutors in the jurisdictions where the deaths occurred, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The latest case involves 53-year-old Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was fatally shot after ICE agents in Texas allegedly mistook him for another individual they were attempting to arrest. His death prompted Mexico to expand its legal efforts and demand greater accountability from U.S. authorities.
According to an Associated Press tally, at least 62 people have died in connection with U.S. immigration enforcement during the first 18 months of Trump’s current administration. Fifty-two deaths reportedly occurred in immigration detention facilities, while others took place during enforcement operations. The figures include foreign nationals and U.S. citizens.
Mexico, whose nationals represent the largest immigrant community in the United States with approximately 11.1 million people, has recorded the highest number of ICE-related deaths among Latin American countries.
While Mexico has adopted an increasingly assertive legal approach, responses from other regional governments have been more restrained.
Colombia called for an independent investigation following the death of Colombian national Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, who was fatally shot during an ICE operation in Maine. President Gustavo Petro urged Colombian diplomats to file a formal complaint against the officer involved. Venezuela, however, has not publicly responded to the death of Venezuelan national José Manuel Arenas, who suffered a fatal heart attack while in ICE custody.
Analysts say Mexico’s actions stand out in a region where many governments have been cautious in challenging Washington due to strong economic, security and migration ties with the United States.
Former head of Mexico’s National Immigration Institute, Tonatiuh Guillén, described the government’s legal strategy as overdue but necessary, arguing that the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals had gone unanswered without official accountability or apology.
Brazil previously protested U.S. deportation practices after deported Brazilian nationals arrived home in restraints aboard a poorly maintained aircraft, prompting diplomatic intervention and increased oversight of future deportation flights.
Mexico’s legal campaign comes at a delicate moment in bilateral relations. The two countries remain engaged in disputes over migration, security cooperation and extradition requests involving Mexican officials accused of links to organised crime. Trade relations have also come under renewed scrutiny after the United States announced annual reviews of the USMCA trade agreement.
Despite the growing tensions, Sheinbaum has insisted that Mexico’s legal actions are intended to protect its citizens rather than provoke a diplomatic confrontation. She said the U.S. ambassador to Mexico had been receptive to her government’s concerns.
However, U.S. authorities recently returned formal protest letters submitted by Mexico to privately operated immigration detention centres, arguing that the complaints sought to influence actions carried out within U.S. sovereign territory.
Migrant advocacy groups have welcomed Mexico’s stronger stance, saying fear has spread throughout immigrant communities regardless of legal status. They have also called for improved oversight of ICE operations, better training for immigration officers and increased resources for Mexico’s consular network to assist citizens living in the United States.
Migration experts caution that the legal process is likely to be lengthy, as investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice remain part of the executive branch and may face political sensitivities. Nevertheless, analysts say Mexico has become the most vocal Latin American government challenging the human rights implications of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.