Mexican President Sheinbaum Vows Formal Protest Over Citizen's Death in ICE Custody

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans for a formal protest concerning the death of a citizen while in ICE custody.

During her daily press briefing on Monday, Sheinbaum highlighted that the protest will take place in Los Angeles, a city where multiple incidents have occurred, particularly at the Adelanto processing center.

Shortly after her remarks, ICE reported another death: Jose Guadalupe Ramos, who was found unresponsive in his bunk on March 25 at the same facility.

Medical personnel were summoned, and Ramos was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. This incident marks the 14th death of a Mexican national under ICE supervision.

ICE characterized Ramos as a "criminal illegal alien," citing prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance and theft.

The agency further stated that during his intake screening, several health issues were identified, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. "He received constant medical care while in custody, including daily medication to manage his conditions," the statement elaborated.

Prior to this latest incident, the Mexican government had already been pressing its U.S. counterparts for a thorough investigation into the deaths of all nationals who have died while in ICE custody during this administration.

Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente described these fatalities as "unacceptable," urging U.S. authorities to "clarify the circumstances surrounding this death, assign accountability, and implement effective measures to prevent recurrence."

This month, Mexico's consulate in Miami activated its consular protection protocol, visiting the detention center and formally requesting documentation related to the case. The government pledged to explore "all legal and diplomatic avenues" to assist the victim's family and to urge U.S. officials to address "the conditions that enable such incidents."

In early March, similar concerns were raised when the Foreign Ministry indicated it would "formally request an investigation into the systemic conditions that led to such regrettable events" following another Mexican national's death in ICE custody in California.

Officials have sought clinical records and custody reports, emphasizing that "the protection of human rights for Mexican citizens abroad is a priority," while also providing support to the victim's family. To date, authorities report no responses have been received regarding their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding these deaths.