The Government of Mexico has demanded from the authorities of the United States a "prompt, thorough, and transparent" investigation to clarify the death of a 56-year-old Mexican citizen who was detained in a center of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) located in the city of Laredo, in the state of Texas.
According to information released by the local newspaper 'The Texas Tribune', the man, identified as Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias, was found unconscious in his cell last Saturday during a routine security round at the Rio Grande Processing Center. The death, confirmed by U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, becomes the seventh death this year of a person in ICE custody in facilities in the state of Texas.
The family of the migrant has reported serious negligence on the part of the U.S. immigration authorities. In statements to the aforementioned media, his daughter, Estefani Andrade, has claimed that her father was denied the use of the medication he had with him when he was detained, essential for treating his heart ailments, hypertension, and diabetes. She has also indicated that the medical staff at the center repeatedly ignored his complaints about respiratory difficulties and chest pressure.
In light of this situation, the Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE) of Mexico has expressed its "deep concern" over the recurrence of such cases, raising to 18 the number of Mexican nationals who have lost their lives in custody or during immigration operations in the United States since January 20, 2025. The Mexican government has emphasized that this scenario requires an "effective" response from Washington to safeguard the life, integrity, and Human Rights of migrant individuals.
Through a statement, the Mexican Foreign Ministry has informed of the activation of consular protection protocols and the initiation of legal actions, including the filing of a formal complaint with the Webb County District Attorney to determine possible responsibilities. Likewise, the Embassy of Mexico in the United States will demand that immigration authorities guarantee unrestricted access for consuls to detention centers, in order to supervise and ensure adequate medical care for their compatriots.