Ciro Gómez Leyva’s attackers sentenced to 11 years

The Mexican ambassador to the United States, Roberto Lazzeri, confirmed that the diplomatic representation will accompany the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican citizen who died after being shot by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE).

What actions will Mexico take?

Lazzeri announced that all available resources will be used to demand a serious and transparent investigation. The case joins a list of 17 Mexicans deceased in events linked to ICE operations or in immigration detention centers.

On instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco, the Embassy in Washington and the Consulate in Houston will meet with US authorities: Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and ICE itself.

Meeting details

Mexico will request a detailed review of what happened and the implementation of clear protocols to prevent similar events from being repeated. “We do not seek to question the right of the United States to apply its laws, but rather to guarantee respect for life and human dignity,” Lazzeri said.

The diplomat reiterated that Mexico will maintain a firm stance in the defense of its compatriots in US territory.

The Mexican government hardens its stance towards the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) instructed the Attorney General’s Office to file criminal complaints against those responsible for the deaths of Mexicans during immigration operations and in the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE). In addition, it will promote civil actions against companies that manage detention centers.

Mexico’s legal actions

Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco explained that the complaints will be directed to state prosecutors and the United States Department of Justice. The objective is to carry out criminal investigations into the deaths that Mexico considers still unclarified. This decision marks a shift in Mexican strategy, which previously privileged diplomatic efforts.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration had sent 11 letters of diplomatic protest. In them he requested investigations into 17 deceased Mexicans: 14 in immigration detention centers and three during capture operations. Without obtaining answers considered satisfactory, Mexico raised the claim to judicial authorities.

One of the emblematic cases is that of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. He died after being shot by ICE agents during an operation in Houston, Texas. US authorities indicated that the man tried to ram the agents with his vehicle. His family and the Mexican government questioned that version and called for an independent investigation.

Mexico will also sue private companies that operate immigration detention centers. It points out alleged irregularities in accommodation and medical care conditions. The center of Adelanto, California, is one of the main ones highlighted. Several Mexicans have died there and complaints have been filed for deficiencies in basic services.

At the same time, the SRE will request intervention from international organizations. It will appeal to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, demanding better conditions and guarantees for migrants.

Protest in Segob

Trans and non-binary people demonstrated this Thursday outside the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) in Mexico City. They denounced the cancellation of a meeting where they would address demands for health, housing, education and human rights. During the mobilization, they painted and caused damage to street furniture, set fire to objects and broke pedestrian traffic lights in front of the Senate.

Elements of the National Guard tried to disperse the protesters with fire extinguishers and a water hose. According to the participants, the water also wet journalists who were covering the events. The groups advanced towards Paseo de la Reforma and Insurgentes, where they damaged advertisements and glass, as well as the Bienestar Tower.

The protesters demand that the Secretary of Government of Mexico City, César Cravioto, sign a minute to set a new meeting date. They assure that with this they would break up the sit-in and resume the dialogue.

This protest joins other recent actions, such as the occupation of a Segob hall in June and road blockades. Until now, Segob and its head, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, have not issued a position on the alleged cancellation.