Latin American countries demand independent investigation into deaths under US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody

The loss of lives of at least 20 Latin American citizens since the beginning of the year during operations or while in the custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has led to a regional crisis. The Mexican government, along with other countries in the region, has taken legal and diplomatic steps to ensure respect for human rights and to clarify the incidents.

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed criminal complaints with the US Department of Justice and state attorneys general, sending subpoenas to the detention centers where the deaths occurred. Additionally, the issue was officially reported to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for raising voices at both national and international levels, demanding an impartial investigation into the causes of deaths in detention centers.

As the crisis rapidly grows, Colombian President Gustavo Petro demanded an official explanation from the US administration regarding the death of one of its citizens. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the immigration operations as a literal 'migrant hunt.' Despite this, the US administration remained indifferent to the criticisms, defending current practices as 'successful' and returning Mexico's protest letters by redirecting them to traditional diplomatic channels.