Mexico Seeks Criminal Charges After 17 of Its Citizens Are Killed in America

SadaNews - Officials stated late Thursday to Friday that Mexico will request criminal charges concerning the deaths of more than 17 Mexicans while they were in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency or during immigration agency operations under President Donald Trump's administration.

The announcement by Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Balisco escalated tensions with the United States, as the Mexican government harshly criticized the treatment of its citizens amid pressure from President Trump to increase deportation efforts.

The request, which has no legal weight, will be referred to the offices of state prosecutors and the Department of Justice, seeking a review for potential criminal charges against those responsible for the killings, according to the Associated Press.

Balisco stated that these requests will be accompanied by civil lawsuits against the companies operating the detention centers, in an attempt to end human rights violations at these facilities.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico decided to "go beyond diplomatic channels" and escalate its complaints after the killing of Mexican citizen Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE in Houston, Texas, this week.

Sheinbaum added that the killing is "not only tragic and unfortunate, but it appears to be intentional".

She stated: "We will do everything we can because we cannot stand by idly" in the face of the murder of Mexicans "whose only crime was working honestly in the United States".