Mexico pursues legal action over 17 deaths of its nationals in ICE custody
Aug 19, 2026 · Mexico
Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco Álvarez said the government is tracking 17 cases of Mexican nationals who died during ICE operations or in custody, and has filed 20 complaints with U.S. state and district prosecutors across eight states, though only four have received responses. One case involves 19-year-old Royer Pérez, who died in a Florida detention facility after being arrested for identity theft; ICE ruled his death a suicide, but testimony from other detainees suggests he was killed by guards, and Florida authorities declined further investigation. At least four other deaths occurred at the Adelanto detention center in California, run by GEO Group, with families alleging negligence and mistreatment. Ventura, Cook, and Harris counties are reviewing possible action on other cases. Mexico has also allocated funds for repatriation of remains, filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, and is pursuing litigation tied to the Adelanto deaths.
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