15 Mexican Nationals Die in ICE Custody and US Enforcement

At least 15 Mexican nationals have died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody or during immigration enforcement actions, according to Mexican government officials.

The deaths have prompted Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to order increased scrutiny of ICE detention facilities, citing concerns over medical care and treatment of detainees.

Sheinbaum announced the directive on Tuesday, stating that her government would intensify monitoring of conditions in U.S. Immigration detention centers where Mexican citizens are held. The move comes amid growing scrutiny from Mexican authorities over the welfare of their nationals detained by U.S. Immigration officials.

The Mexican foreign ministry confirmed that the 15 deaths occurred over an unspecified period and involved individuals who died either while in ICE custody or during enforcement operations. Specific causes of death were not detailed in the initial announcement, though medical issues were cited as a contributing factor in some cases.

U.S. Authorities have not publicly released a comprehensive breakdown of deaths in ICE custody involving Mexican nationals during the same timeframe. ICE typically reports detainee deaths through its own oversight mechanisms, but advocacy groups have long criticized the agency for insufficient transparency and inadequate medical care in its facilities.

The Mexican government has called for greater cooperation with U.S. Officials to ensure that detainees receive appropriate medical attention and that their rights are respected under international agreements. Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico expects the U.S. To uphold humanitarian standards in its treatment of foreign nationals.

Advocacy organizations have repeatedly raised alarms about conditions in ICE detention centers, particularly regarding access to healthcare, mental health services, and protection from abuse. Reports from independent monitors and legal filings have documented instances of delayed medical treatment, neglect, and preventable deaths in facilities across the United States.

The issue has become a point of diplomatic tension between the two countries, especially as migration enforcement remains a focal point of bilateral discussions. Mexico has consistently urged the U.S. To prioritize humane treatment and due process in its immigration system, particularly for vulnerable populations.

As of the announcement, neither ICE nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had issued a public response to Sheinbaum’s directive. The Mexican government said it would continue to gather information on each case and pursue accountability through diplomatic channels.

The development underscores ongoing concerns about the safety and treatment of migrants in U.S. Immigration custody, particularly as enforcement actions continue under current federal policies. Both governments face pressure to address systemic shortcomings in detention oversight and healthcare provision.