Mexico's Response to Rising Deaths in ICE Custody

The recent death of Alejandro Cabrera Clemente, a 49-year-old Mexican national in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, has intensified scrutiny over the treatment of detainees in U.S. facilities. President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration has labeled the increasing number of fatalities as "unacceptable," marking a significant shift in Mexico's stance towards the Trump administration's immigration policies. Since President Donald Trump resumed office in January 2025, 15 Mexican nationals have died in ICE custody, raising alarms about the conditions within these detention centers.

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In response to Cabrera Clemente's death, Sheinbaum expressed a commitment to defending the rights of Mexicans, stating, “We are going to defend Mexicans at every level.” She has called for daily visits by Mexican officials to ICE detention centers to monitor conditions. The Mexican Foreign Ministry has demanded immediate action, asserting that the repeated deaths reflect "serious deficiencies in ICE immigration detention centers, incompatible with human rights standards." The ministry emphasized its dedication to protecting the dignity of all Mexicans abroad, regardless of their immigration status.

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Cabrera Clemente's death follows that of Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old who died in March 2025 at the Glades County Detention Facility in Florida. Reports indicate that Perez-Jimenez was found unresponsive in his cell, with officials treating the incident as a "presumed suicide." Advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns about the rising number of deaths in ICE facilities, which have reportedly reached record levels, with 32 deaths recorded in 2025 compared to 11 in 2024.

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The Trump administration has faced criticism regarding its handling of immigration detention. In December, former DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed claims of a spike in detention deaths, accusing the media of misrepresenting data. Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress have called for increased transparency and access to detention centers for inspections.

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In light of these events, Sheinbaum's government is contemplating an appeal to the United Nations regarding the fatalities. The Consulate General of Mexico has reached out to Cabrera Clemente's family for further details on his death, indicating a proactive approach to addressing the situation. The Mexican government has pledged to utilize all available legal and diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of its citizens in the U.S.

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While the Mexican government has reported 15 deaths of its nationals in ICE custody since January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security has maintained that detainees receive adequate care, including health services and legal access. This discrepancy highlights ongoing tensions between the two governments regarding immigration enforcement and detainee treatment.

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• “We are going to defend Mexicans at every level,” — Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico

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• “The repetition of deaths is unacceptable and reflects serious deficiencies in ICE immigration detention centers, incompatible with human rights standards, and protection of people's lives,” — Mexican Foreign Ministry

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