Sheinbaum Announces Legal Complaints in U.S. Over Deaths of 17 Mexican Citizens

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, July 13, 2026. Photo: EFE

July 13, 2026 Hour: 2:24 pm

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Mexico to file complaints with Justice Department and state prosecutors over human rights violations.

On Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico will today file complaints with the U.S. Department of Justice and state prosecutors over the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals at the hands of U.S. immigration authorities.

Among the cases is the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operation in Houston. Currently, his death is under investigation by U.S. local and federal authorities.

Sheinbaum also said the complaints respond to Mexico’s concern over human rights violations against Mexican nationals in detention centers and the deaths of three Mexican citizens during ICE operations.

Mexican president also called on Congress, political parties and society to support the defense of migrants in the United States. “It is not only an issue for the Mexican government. It is an issue for each and every Mexican,” Sheinbaum said, urging the Congress to take a position on the matter.

This is unfuckingreal and absolutely inhumane😔🇺🇸

ICE agents just dragged the body of the immigrant they killed minutes earlier, dropped him on the pavement and still handcuffed him.

Quo Vadis Humanity?

Video credits: Cope Report pic.twitter.com/bz3kKu5WLq
— Mario (@PawlowskiMario) July 13, 2026

“I call on the Permanent Commission of the Congress to have all political parties, without exception, also submit a request for information and express our rejection of the violation of the human rights of Mexicans in the United States,” she said, insisting that protecting Mexicans abroad should be a national cause.

“We have a responsibility to demand the preservation of life and the protection of the human rights of Mexicans around the world, and particularly in the United States,” she said.

The announcement expands on the strategy outlined by Sheinbaum last week to go “beyond” diplomatic notes and pursue legal action following the death of Salgado Araujo.

In addition to that case, multiple Mexican nationals have died in immigration detention centers and during operations conducted by U.S. authorities since the tightening of immigration policies promoted by President Donald Trump.