Laredo:Mexico City Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to file a formal complaint with U.S. authorities following the death of Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias, a 56-year-old Mexican national, who died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Texas. Sheinbaum condemned racism against Mexican migrants and expressed her government's commitment to supporting Mexicans in the United States.

According to Anadolu Agency, Andrade-Covarrubias was found unconscious in his cell at the Rio Grande Processing Center in Laredo, Texas, and was later pronounced dead. He had been suffering from a heart condition, diabetes, and high blood pressure and had reportedly complained to his daughter about inadequate medical care at the facility.

Mexico's Foreign Ministry has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Andrade-Covarrubias's death to determine any potential responsibility of authorities. The Mexican Consulate General in Laredo took immediate action upon notification of his death by contacting the family and providing consular assistance.

The Mexican government intends to submit the complaint to the prosecutor in Webb County, where Laredo is located. The embassy will also seek assurances of consular access to immigration detention facilities. President Sheinbaum emphasized the strengthening of consular efforts to defend the rights of detained Mexican nationals abroad.

This incident marks the 18th death of a Mexican national in ICE custody or during immigration enforcement operations since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025. The official cause of Andrade-Covarrubias's death remains undetermined, prompting Mexican authorities to demand transparency as investigations continue.

The case has heightened diplomatic tensions regarding the treatment of migrants in U.S. detention centers, with Mexico advocating for enhanced protections for its citizens abroad.