MEXICO CITY – The Mexican government has begun legal action announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum following the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody or during ICE operations, Mexico's Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that in coordination with the Attorney General's Office, it would file a complaint with the US Department of Justice through the Mexican Embassy in Washington.

It said complaints had also begun to be filed with relevant state prosecutors' offices in the United States through Mexico's diplomatic mission and consular network.

As part of the measures, Mexico has also begun sending cease-and-desist letters to detention centers where Mexican nationals have died. The first was addressed to the Adelanto detention center in the US state of California, where four Mexicans have died.

According to the ministry, the letters demand an immediate end to "actions or omissions that led to these deaths", including a lack of timely access to medical care and the use of policies incompatible with medical and prison standards.

Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco informed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk of the deaths and asked his office to gather information from US authorities, assess compliance with international obligations and issue corresponding recommendations.

ALSO READ: Immigration agent fatally shoots driver in Maine, days after similar death in Texas

The ministry said the measures were part of an investigative stage ahead of possible legal proceedings. It reiterated support for the victims' families through Mexico's consular network and said the government would act "firmly" in defending the rights of Mexican nationals abroad. 

Speaking at her daily press conference at the National Palace on Wednesday, Sheinbaum reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Mexican nationals abroad, especially those living in the US.

The Mexican president said she hopes the ICE would stop raids affecting the Mexican community.

Sheinbaum criticized the country's opposition parties for failing to support the government following the deaths of the 17 nationals, and called on political parties and Congress' Permanent Commission to speak out against human rights violations affecting Mexican migrants.

She also rejected accusations by US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief Terrance Cole, who suggested links between the Mexican government and drug cartels.

"I think it is a very unfortunate statement for several reasons. First, because it seems to me more like a political statement than one based on evidence. What he's saying has no basis in fact," she said.

The Mexican president urged the DEA to focus on problems inside the United States, which is facing a major crisis over the use of fentanyl and other drugs. "In my view, the DEA has a lot of work to do in the United States," she said.

The controversy followed Cole's remarks at the Fentanyl Free America Summit 2026, where he said the DEA would use all its resources against cartels, including "the deadly connection between cartel networks and the Mexican Government".

READ MORE: Mexico not to accept any form of subordination, says president

Sheinbaum said that instead of speaking about alleged links with Mexican authorities, the DEA should investigate who distributes, sells, and finances drug trafficking, and how they do so within the United States.