Mexico pressures the US over the death of a migrant at the hands of ICE

Strategic alliance for labor rights

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the National Fund for Workers’ Consumption (Fonacot) signed a collaboration agreement that updates their exchange of information and services. The objective: respond to the current operational, technological and regulatory needs of both agencies.

The agreement was signed by Wendolyne Retana Alarcón, general director of Fonacot, and Luisa Obrador Garrido Cuesta, director of Incorporation and Collection of the IMSS. It will be valid until September 30, 2030, with the possibility of extending it for two more years.

The relationship between both institutions dates back to 2007. Since then they have maintained a constant flow of data to facilitate procedures and guarantee better credit and social security conditions for working people.

With this update, the aim is to streamline processes, reduce response times and strengthen the protection of the rights of the country’s formal workers.

The Energía Costa Azul project, in Ensenada, Baja California, completed the first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Mexican Pacific coast. The Sempra Infrastructure company confirmed that the shipment is part of the tests prior to the start of commercial operations.

International context

This movement occurs in a context of high demand for energy security. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global LNG trade passes, have accelerated the search for new supply routes.

Strategic advantage

Sempra Infrastructure noted that phase 1 of the project will connect North American gas with Asian markets, taking advantage of the strategic location of the Mexican Pacific coast. Researcher Adrián Duhalt highlighted that the proximity to the gas-producing basins of the United States represents a competitive advantage for Mexico.

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.