The Mexicans detained in the United States issue is escalating as officials report deaths, poor conditions, and expand protections ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Undersecretary for North America, has affirmed that new measures are being implemented in the United States to monitor the conditions of detained Mexicans, to detect abuses, and to address instances of overcrowding, poor hygiene, or unmet medical needs among their compatriots. “In all these communications, we have highlighted the systemic conditions that are leading to 13 people—a staggering number of cases—losing their lives under these circumstances,” he stated. However, previous letters sent to protest past deaths have yet to receive a response, and investigations remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, the government has bolstered its telephone support services for Mexicans abroad to handle reports and complaints. Furthermore, it has launched an outreach and prevention program providing guidelines—including instructions not to open their doors to anyone at their homes, even if they identify themselves as immigration agents, and not to disclose details regarding their immigration status—as well as advice on preparing an emergency kit containing contact information for trusted individuals in the event of detention.
“We have even employed ‘mystery shoppers’—several colleagues from the Digital Transformation Agency have gone to request services [at the Embassy] without revealing their identities—as a way to determine whether people are being served properly or not,” the President noted, though she acknowledged that there is still room for improvement within the consular network. Regarding the risks facing Mexicans planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, Sheinbaum gave assurances that the government is prepared and that its embassies have been reinforced. “First and foremost, let us hope that [no detentions] occur,” she added.
