Mexico to Request Criminal Charges Over 17 Deaths in ICE Custody or Operations

Mexican officials announced Thursday they will request criminal charges in the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens who died in ICE custody or during immigration enforcement operations. The request will be filed with state prosecutors’ offices and the U.S. Department of Justice. Officials said it will be paired with civil lawsuits against companies that operate detention centers.

Sheinbaum said the decision followed the fatal shooting of a Mexican citizen in Houston this week. ” The Department of Homeland Security stated the man was shot after disregarding orders and attempting to ram an agent. The department said the agent fired in self-defense.

Officials had previously sent diplomatic notes, raised the issue with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and lodged a complaint with the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Sheinbaum earlier ordered consulates to check in regularly with ICE detainees.

The new request adds to tensions as the two countries renegotiate their free trade agreement. Mexican officials said the complaints aim to end human rights violations in detention facilities.