Mexico questions FBI’s role in Sinaloa cartel kidnapping
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has voiced strong criticism against the U.S. government, particularly regarding its alleged involvement in the 2024 kidnapping of former Sinaloa cartel leader “El Mayo” Zambada. She claims that the U.S. misled Mexico about its participation, contending that it infringed on Mexican sovereignty. This incident, it seems, has sparked substantial concerns over diplomatic relations between the two nations and America’s actions within Mexico.
Following the shooting death of a Mexican national during an ICE operation in Texas, Sheinbaum announced her intention to pursue “serious legal action” against the United States. While Mexican authorities reported 17 deaths of Mexicans in U.S. immigration detention, Sheinbaum specifically highlighted Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, an undocumented immigrant who had lived in the U.S. for many years.
Homeland Security officials stated that Araujo was targeted during an ICE arrest operation, during which an officer shot him in self-defense after he allegedly failed to follow orders and attempted to drive into the officer.
While discussing these events during her daily press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum outlined her plans to escalate protests against U.S. immigration enforcement actions. She mentioned, “Our goal is to go beyond our diplomatic documents and our representations to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. We cannot tolerate the mistreatment of our fellow citizens in the U.S., which is why we are proposing further steps.”
She also indicated that Mexico’s Foreign Ministry would be presenting actions to Washington in response to Araujo’s death.
It was noted that the ICE agent involved in the shooting was not wearing a body camera at the time, raising questions and concerns from various sources.
Sheinbaum remarked, “This happened in a custodial situation even though their only crime was lack of documentation. And this despite being employed by a U.S. company.” She stated there is no justification for the U.S. to detain individuals like Araujo or to resort to violence against them. “So we are clearly preparing more significant legal action,” she added.
On Thursday, Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco said he would be requesting criminal charges related to the 17 Mexican nationals who died in U.S. custody, directing this request to the Justice Department and state attorneys general. Reports suggest that Sheinbaum’s request may not have legal standing in U.S. courts. Mexico City claimed that 14 of these deaths occurred in custody, while three happened during DHS operations.
Araujo, who was 52 years old, was reportedly transporting workers to a job site in Houston when the shooting occurred. There has been a significant outcry over the lack of body camera footage from the incident, further fueling skepticism about the official narrative.
Advocacy group Voto Latino criticized the attack on Araujo, stating that he should still be alive. Their executive director emphasized that Araujo’s story represented the struggle for the American dream, noting he had called the U.S. home for almost 35 years. The family is seeking answers from an independent investigation, not from the agency involved in the event that transformed their lives.
An ICE spokesperson defended the agency’s conduct, stating that Araujo had ignored multiple commands and used his vehicle as a weapon, which led to the officer’s response. The investigation into the shooting is being spearheaded by the DHS-OIG, while the Houston FBI is looking into possible assaults on federal officers. This situation is still developing, and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
