Mexico Demands Criminal Charges Against ICE Agents in U.S.

Mexico requested that criminal charges be filed for the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens in immigration operations and while in ICE custody. The request is directed at state authorities and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The initiative has no binding legal effect. However, it seeks to increase pressure on prosecutors and courts, in addition to being accompanied by civil lawsuits against companies operating detention centers.

The Mexican government maintains that it cannot remain indifferent. Its complaint focuses on 14 deaths in ICE custody and 3 that occurred during immigration control operations.

What Exactly Did Mexico Request?

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs began filing criminal complaints with state prosecutors in the United States. It also announced formal letters to detention centers where Mexican nationals died. Additionally, the government is seeking the Department of Justice to evaluate whether it is appropriate to open proceedings. The measure includes the possibility of bringing cases before UN human rights commissions and mechanisms.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said that Mexico cannot overlook these deaths. Her government believes that the diplomatic route is insufficient to stop the problem. The objective is also political and symbolic. Mexico seeks to make clear that protecting its citizens abroad remains a state priority. The complaint does not obligate U.S. prosecutors to act. But it does add public pressure at a time when ICE faces criticism over its detention policy and recent deaths.

What Happened to Silverio Villegas-González?

The most visible case is that of Silverio Villegas-González, who died after being shot by an ICE agent in Franklin Park, Illinois. The death occurred in September of last year and reopened the debate over use of force. According to the Department of Homeland Security, agents were attempting to detain him and he allegedly attempted to flee by ramming them with his vehicle. This version was released by federal authorities in explaining the shooting.

The autopsy, however, revealed different details. The report determined a close-range gunshot wound to the neck and superficial bullet wounds on two fingers. The toxicology analysis detected cocaine in his system. This information was included in the news report cited by CBS, but does not by itself resolve the discussion over use of force.

Body camera video also raised doubts. According to CBS News Chicago, the agent described his injuries as “nothing serious,” in apparent contradiction to the severity of the events and medical findings.