Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Monday during which she announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would file complaints with the U.S. Justice Department and state prosecutors' offices in the United States over the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals. Photo by Mario Guzman/EPA
July 13 (UPI) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that her government will file criminal complaints and civil lawsuits in the United States over the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens who died in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody or during ICE operations between June 2025 and this month.
The decision marks a shift by the Mexican government from diplomatic complaints to pursuing criminal and civil action through the U.S. legal system.
During her daily news conference, Sheinbaum said the complaints will be formally filed with the U.S. Justice Department and state prosecutors to seek criminal penalties against anyone found responsible.
She said the Mexican government also will pursue civil lawsuits against private companies contracted by ICE to operate immigration detention centers.
