Mexico files criminal complaints over migrant deaths linked to ICE operations

Mexico’s Office of the Attorney General (Fiscalía General de la República) on Tuesday lodged criminal complaints in a federal court against officials of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging that a series of migrant deaths occurred during recent ICE operations along the U.S.–Mexico border. The complaints cite violations of Mexican criminal law, including homicide and kidnapping, and request that the United States cooperate with any ensuing investigations.

According to the filing, at least eight Mexican nationals died while in ICE custody or during deportation procedures between January and June of this year. The complaints reference incidents in detention facilities in Arizona and Texas, as well as a convoy operation in which three migrants reportedly perished after being left without medical assistance. Mexican authorities say the deaths were preventable and that ICE failed to provide adequate care, violating both Mexican and international human‑rights obligations. The filing also demands that the United States supply documentation related to the detainees’ health records and the circumstances surrounding each fatality.

The Mexican government has indicated that it will pursue the cases through its judicial system while simultaneously seeking diplomatic dialogue with Washington to address the broader issue of migrant safety. U.S. officials have not yet commented on the specific allegations, but a spokesperson for ICE said the agency is “committed to the humane treatment of all individuals in its custody.” The complaints mark a rare legal step by Mexico in holding a foreign law‑enforcement agency accountable for actions that occur on U.S. soil.