Another Mexican national has died in a U.S. immigration detention center in Laredo, Texas, prompting the Mexican government to demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death and to signal potential legal action. Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, the number of Mexican citizens who have died during immigration enforcement actions or while in U.S. custody has risen to 18.
Man found unresponsive in cell
The 56-year-old Mexican man died at the Rio Grande Processing Center, operated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to available information, he was found unresponsive in his cell during a security check on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The Texas Tribune identified the man as Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias. Staff attempted to resuscitate him and called for emergency medical services after discovering he showed no signs of response. An investigation will determine the circumstances and cause of death.
Mexico calls for a thorough and transparent investigation
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs is demanding that U.S. authorities conduct a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation. The Mexican Consulate in Laredo has activated protocols to protect its citizens and is in contact with the deceased man’s family, offering assistance.
Mexico also plans to file a criminal complaint with the Webb County Prosecutor’s Office in Texas. The country’s embassy in the United States intends to request that Mexican consular officials are ensured access to U.S. detention facilities in order to monitor the conditions of detained Mexican citizens.
Migrant death toll reaches 18
This latest case follows Mexico’s announcement in July of legal action related to the deaths of its citizens during immigration operations and in U.S. custody. That announcement concerned 17 cases; the newest death raises the total to 18.
The Mexican government has repeatedly called on U.S. authorities to investigate such cases and protect the rights of migrants. However, the total number of deaths does not itself clarify the causes or any specific responsibility, which will only be determined by the results of ongoing investigations.
What is ICE?
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, known as ICE, operates under the Department of Homeland Security. Among its duties are enforcing immigration regulations and detaining people during immigration proceedings.
Conditions in detention centers and the deaths of detainees have repeatedly drawn public attention in the United States. In this most recent case, Mexico is calling on American authorities to clarify what happened and to hold those responsible accountable if any wrongdoing is found.
READ ALSO
- U.S. expands charges against Maduro, alleges torture of political opponents
- U.S. calls Venezuela intervention a breakthrough operation, Trump announces Maduro’s detention and temporary political control of the country
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
