Mexico: President Condemns Deaths of Migrants in US Custody | ICE Detentions

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has sharply condemned the deaths of three Mexican nationals following incidents in U.S. Immigration custody this year, calling the situation “unacceptable.” The latest case, the death of 19-year-old Royer Perez Jimenez at a Florida detention center on Monday, has ignited renewed scrutiny of conditions within U.S. Immigration facilities and prompted calls for a full investigation from the Mexican government.

“This can’t be happening,” Sheinbaum told reporters Friday, according to reports from CBS News and Punchng.com. While authorities have preliminarily attributed Perez Jimenez’s death to suicide, Sheinbaum emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry.

A Pattern of Deaths in ICE Custody

Perez Jimenez was arrested in January on charges of fraud, impersonation, and misdemeanor resisting an officer, as reported by CBS Miami. He was found unresponsive in his cell at the Glades County Detention Center on March 16th, and life-saving efforts were immediately initiated, though ultimately unsuccessful. The cause of death is still under investigation.

This incident is not isolated. Sheinbaum highlighted the deaths of two other Mexican citizens earlier in the year. Heber Sanchez Domínguez, 34, died in January after six days in ICE custody while awaiting a hearing for a driving without a license charge. He was found “hanging by the neck and unresponsive” in a Georgia facility, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement. A 48-year-old Mexican man also died in ICE custody in March, though details surrounding his death remain less publicly available.

The Mexican government has expressed growing frustration with these incidents, stating Thursday that “these deaths are becoming unacceptable” and vowing to utilize “available legal and diplomatic tools to defend the rights” of its citizens abroad. Sheinbaum affirmed this commitment, stating, “We’re going to use all measures to make our protests and support the family in everything they need.”

Escalating Concerns Over Migrant Deaths

The recent deaths contribute to a disturbing trend. Last year, at least 30 migrants died in U.S. Detention centers – the highest number since 2004, the year after the creation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). So far in 2026, at least 12 deaths have been recorded, including those of an Afghan man who served with the U.S. Military, a Haitian man whose family alleges died from an untreated tooth infection, and a Cuban immigrant whose death in Texas was ruled a homicide. CBS News detailed the rising death toll and the concerns it raises about conditions within these facilities.

The increase in deaths coincides with heightened immigration enforcement under former President Trump, who has promised the “most extensive deportation program” in U.S. History. ICE has been at the forefront of these efforts, often conducting what have been described as violent raids across U.S. Cities.

The Perez Jimenez Case: Details and Investigation

Royer Perez Jimenez’s case has drawn particular attention due to his young age and the circumstances surrounding his death. According to ICE, he was arrested in January and faced charges related to fraud and resisting an officer. Tag24 reports that ICE described Perez Jimenez as a “criminal illegal alien” in its initial statement, a characterization that has drawn criticism.

The Mexican Foreign Ministry has requested access to case reports and documents related to Perez Jimenez’s death and has confirmed that its consulate general in Miami has visited the Glades County Detention Center. The ministry reiterated its demand for a “prompt and thorough investigation” to determine accountability and prevent future incidents.

Broader Implications and Diplomatic Response

President Sheinbaum’s strong condemnation reflects a growing sense of urgency within the Mexican government regarding the treatment of its citizens in U.S. Custody. The government’s commitment to utilizing “all available legal avenues” suggests a potential for increased diplomatic pressure on the U.S. To address concerns about conditions in detention centers and ensure the safety and well-being of migrants.

The situation also raises broader questions about the human cost of stricter immigration policies and the responsibility of detention facilities to provide adequate medical and mental health care to those in their custody. The deaths of Sanchez Domínguez, the 48-year-old Mexican man, and Perez Jimenez, along with the other cases reported this year, underscore the vulnerability of migrants and the need for greater transparency and accountability within the U.S. Immigration system.

Next Steps: Ongoing Investigations and Diplomatic Efforts

The investigations into the deaths of Perez Jimenez, Sanchez Domínguez, and the other Mexican nationals are ongoing. The Mexican government is actively seeking information from U.S. Authorities and providing support to the families of the deceased. Further diplomatic engagement between Mexico and the U.S. Is anticipated as both countries grapple with the complex challenges of immigration and border security. The outcome of these investigations and the subsequent diplomatic response will likely shape the future of U.S.-Mexico cooperation on immigration issues.