Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Mexico Files Complaints Over ICE Detainee Deaths
Mexico has filed 20 complaints in the US over the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens who died during or after being in custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since May 2025.
The complaints were filed in various states where the deaths occurred.
Mexico's Ambassador to the US, Roberto Lazzeri, also met with US officials to express concerns about conditions in detention centers.
Additionally, Mexico's Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco asked the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate these cases.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum questioned the US role in the arrest of drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, citing contradictions in the official version of events.
Mexico filed 20 complaints with US prosecutors over the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens in ICE custody since May 2025.
Complaints were filed in states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas.
Mexico's Ambassador to the US, Roberto Lazzeri, met with US officials to express concerns about detention center conditions.
Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate the cases.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum questioned the US role in the arrest of drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, citing contradictions in the official version.
- Who
- Mexico's Foreign Ministry, Mexican Ambassador Roberto Lazzeri, Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
- What
- Filing of complaints over deaths of Mexican citizens in ICE custody and questioning of US involvement in the arrest of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada
- When
- July 13-14, 2025
- Where
- United States (Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas), Mexico
- Why
- To seek clarification and investigations into the deaths and the arrest of Zambada
Mexico's Perspective
US Government's Perspective
Involvement in Zambada's Arrest
Mexico's Perspective
Mexico questions the US role in the arrest of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, citing contradictions in the official version.
US Government's Perspective
The US government denies involvement in the arrest of Zambada on Mexican territory.
- Number of Complaints Filed
- 20
- Number of Deaths
- 17
- Date of Complaints Filed
- July 13, 2025
- US Departments Involved
- Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, ICE
- UN Official Contacted
- Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Mexican Officials Involved
- Roberto Lazzeri, Roberto Velasco, Claudia Sheinbaum