USA returns letters to Mexico criticizing abuses against migrants

During a daily press conference by the Presidency, Velasco stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will request support from the Attorney General's Office of Mexico to formally file a complaint with American judicial authorities. This complaint refers to the deaths of Mexican citizens that occurred during operations conducted by immigration services (ICE) at detention facilities.

Shift from Diplomatic to Judicial Sphere

The minister explained that the purpose of this action is to move the issue from the diplomatic sphere to the judicial sphere, requesting that US authorities initiate criminal investigations related to these incidents. Furthermore, the Mexican government plans to take civil actions against the corporations responsible for managing these detention centers, alleging human rights violations that were a factor in the death of 14 Mexican nationals in custody.

Search for International Protection

The head of Mexican diplomacy also announced that, in collaboration with civil society entities, the government will submit petitions to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, aiming to obtain protective measures for Mexican citizens detained in ICE centers. Additionally, it was announced that Mexico will seek the intervention of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, with the aim of strengthening the safeguarding of Mexicans detained in the United States.

Government Priority and Recent Context

Velasco clarified that all these measures were determined by the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, and assured that the situation will be treated as a priority in discussions with the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. This announcement comes a few days after an ICE agent fatally shot Mexican citizen Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an immigration operation carried out in the American state of Texas. Mexican authorities reported that since Donald Trump's return to the presidency of the United States, at least 17 Mexican citizens have died in ICE detention centers or during immigration activities.

Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Economy Minister, announced that he will travel to the United States capital to represent Mexico's commercial interests in response to Washington's refusal to renew the trade agreement.

Details of the Trip and Negotiations

Ebrard informed through a social media post that he would board a flight to Washington on the following day, July 8th, with the goal of preparing the next round of discussions regarding the review of the T-MEC. He confirmed that he would be present on Wednesday to defend Mexican interests.

Context of the Agreement Review

This trip comes after the United States communicated on July 1st that it would not proceed with the extension of the agreement in its current configuration, opting instead for an annual review process.

Despite the American rejection of extending the pact for another 16 years, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed optimism on Friday about the possibility of reaching a consensus. She considered that the conversations between the three North American countries, in the context of the first annual review of the trade treaty, are 'very advanced.'

Mexican Stance and Perspectives

Given the uncertainty generated by Washington's decision not to extend the T-MEC, President Sheinbaum emphasized that there is security for investments in Mexico, since the treaty remains valid until at least 2036. Regarding Mexico's trade posture, she classified it as 'absolutely false' that the country negotiated poorly with Washington, adding that Canada is in circumstances 'even more unfavorable' than those faced by Mexico at this time.

The T-MEC was implemented on July 1, 2020, replacing the old NAFTA. Although the US has currently dismissed the extension of the treaty beyond 2036, the agreement itself provides that the three partners can agree to a 16-year extension at any time, provided they can resolve the divergences driving the annual reviews.

Additionally, US President Donald Trump had previously expressed skepticism about the renewal of the agreement, stating that the country 'needs nothing' from its North American partners.