UN Demands U.S. Stop Migrant Deaths in ICE Custody

UN Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed insisted on the need to guarantee fundamental rights. She asserted that laws must protect any individual, regardless of their immigration status. “Laws have to work for you and your rights,” emphasized the Nigerian diplomat. Her statements come at a time of growing international concern about U.S. immigration policies. The United Nations publicly expressed concern about recent migrant deaths in the United States. These deaths occurred during operations and while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A direct call from Mexico City

The UN called on U.S. authorities to ensure respect for the rule of law. This call includes the protection of fundamental rights for all people, regardless of their migration status. During an official visit to Mexico City, Mohammed affirmed that any violation of human rights should concern the international community. She underscored the importance of laws functioning as a real protection mechanism. The official added that the “rule of law” must prevail at all times. She recalled that every person must have effective access to legal resources when they consider their rights violated.

“We must all be concerned”

“We must all be concerned when people are stripped of their rights,” Mohammed stated in an interview with the EFE agency. The official also mentioned that conversations between Mexico and the United States continue to be active. These statements come in a particularly tense diplomatic context between both countries. The situation of migrants in U.S. territory has become a priority issue on the bilateral agenda. Mexico has intensified its legal actions in U.S. courts in response to recent fatal incidents.

Mexico Pursues Legal Action Over 17 Deaths

The UN representative’s statements came after a significant legal action by Mexico. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed formal complaints in U.S. courts. These complaints correspond to the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens that occurred while in ICE custody or during immigration operations. The Mexican government also formally requested the UN to speak specifically about these documented cases. Although Mohammed avoided directly referring to this diplomatic request, she insisted that respect for the rule of law constitutes the fundamental basis for guaranteeing human rights.

“That is why laws are built”

“That is why laws are built, for your rights. Laws have to work for you and your rights,” said the Under-Secretary-General during her public statement.

This message resonates especially after a particular case that rekindled the bilateral migration debate. It concerns the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican citizen.

Salgado Araujo died on July 7 in Houston, Texas, after being shot by an ICE agent. The incident occurred during a migration operation, according to confirmation by Mexican authorities.

Sheinbaum Calls for Avoiding “Criminalization” of Migrants

Following this incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called on the U.S. government to avoid criminalizing the migrant community. The president called on various political and social sectors to maintain solidarity.

This call seeks specifically to protect Mexicans currently residing in U.S. territory. Sheinbaum’s position reflects growing concern from the Mexican government over these recurring incidents.

The Mexican Executive also announced an important change in its diplomatic strategy regarding these cases.

From Diplomacy to Criminal Proceedings

Mexico announced that it would stop limiting its efforts exclusively to the traditional diplomatic realm. It will now also pursue criminal proceedings within the United States for cases of deceased nationals.

This new legal strategy applies specifically to the period following Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. This period has been marked by a significant hardening of immigration policies.

The increase in detention operations during this period has generated multiple incidents that are now part of active legal investigations.

Bilateral Meeting on Multilateralism

During her visit to Mexico, Mohammed also held a meeting with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco. The meeting addressed issues related to strengthening international multilateralism.

Reforms currently being promoted within the United Nations itself were also discussed. Cooperation between Mexico and the UN System was another central point on the bilateral agenda.

Additionally, both officials addressed issues related to women, peace and security, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence during their diplomatic exchange.

A Debate That Continues to Generate International Attention

The statements from the high-ranking official reflect growing international attention