Sheinbaum demands halt to migrant abuses in Florida

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo made a direct appeal to the U.S. Government. She called for migration policies to fully respect the human rights of migrants. The Mexican president also demanded that people not be criminalized based on their migration status. Her statements came after confirming the death of a Mexican citizen in Florida. The death occurred during an operation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) service. The case reignited Mexican Government concerns over the safety of its nationals.

Sheinbaum rejects the criminalization of migration

During her morning press conference at National Palace, the president reiterated Mexico’s official stance. She asserted that the country does not share President Trump’s migration policy. Sheinbaum maintained that Mexico rejects any approach that considers migration a crime in itself. She insisted that any deportation must be carried out in accordance with the law. “If there is someone who has committed a crime, then they should be prosecuted. But migration should not be criminalized,” the president stated. She added that all deportations must respect the human dignity of migrants.

Mexican citizen confirmed dead after ICE operation in Florida

Sheinbaum’s statements came after confirming the death of a Mexican citizen in Florida. The victim was attempting to escape during a migration operation when he died. According to information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), the man ran to avoid being detained. He was struck by a vehicle while crossing a roadway during his escape attempt. “In an ICE operation he runs and, while crossing a street, is hit by a vehicle,” the president detailed. To date, the victim’s identity has not been publicly confirmed by authorities.

Mexico will follow up on the case through diplomatic channels

Sheinbaum indicated that this death would be incorporated into the Mexican Government’s diplomatic actions. The goal is to protect nationals facing migration procedures in the United States. The president explained that consular authorities are already providing support in the case. This will be part of the complaints Mexico has filed regarding incidents recorded during ICE operations. Sheinbaum insisted that cooperation between both countries must prioritize human rights. This, she emphasized, should apply regardless of migrants’ legal status.

A case added to other recent deaths

The Mexican’s death in Florida occurred just days after another fatal incident. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo died after being shot by an ICE agent in Houston, Texas. To these facts is added the case of Colombian Joan Sebastián Guerrero, 26 years old. The young man also recently lost his life during an incident with migration authorities in Maine. These cases have increased international scrutiny of ICE procedures. Different regions of the United States have been the scene of operations with fatal consequences in recent weeks.

Sheinbaum will raise the issue with Donald Trump again

The president acknowledged that she has not recently held a conversation with the U.S. president. However, she announced that she will address the situation of Mexican migrants in her next dialogue. Sheinbaum recalled that the protection of nationals has been a recurring issue in bilateral conversations. She assured that Mexico will continue defending the human rights of its citizens abroad. This commitment, the president said, will be maintained regardless of any diplomatic tensions that may arise. The defense of Mexican migrants will remain a priority for her administration.

Mexico maintains formal complaints over nationals’ deaths

As part of the institutional response, the Mexican Government reported specific legal actions. Complaints have been filed with the U.S. Department of Justice over these deaths. The complaints cover both deaths that occurred during migration operations and those recorded under ICE custody. Mexico seeks for these cases to be thoroughly investigated by U.S. authorities. Additionally, the Mexican Government requested the intervention of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. A request was made to gather information and follow up on possible human rights violations.

Increasing international scrutiny

The request to the UN seeks to bring international visibility to these cases. Mexico believes that the deaths of Mexican migrants require impartial and transparent investigation. The High Commissioner must evaluate the information gathered on the various incidents. This could lead to formal recommendations to U.S. authorities on migration matters. Meanwhile, the Mexican Government continues to closely monitor the situation of its nationals in the United States. Sheinbaum’s stance reflects growing diplomatic pressure on Washington to review its protocols during ICE operations.