| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Custody | The protective care or guardianship of someone, especially by an official authority. |
| Consulate | A place where a government representative works in a foreign city to help its citizens. |
| Prominent | Very well known and important. |
Thirteen Mexican citizens have died while in the custody of U.S. immigration authorities during the Trump administration, according to Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry. The causes of these deaths are being investigated. Some deaths happened during operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while others were due to suicide or medical issues. A troubling incident involved a shooting that accidentally hit a Mexican in custody. The victims were between 19 and 69 years old, and these events took place in various U.S. states.
Two lawsuits have been filed by the families of those who died, seeking justice and answers. Claudia Sheinbaum, a prominent Mexican leader, demanded a thorough investigation, especially after a 19-year-old Maya man’s death. She emphasized the need to understand these deaths and improve the detention conditions.
Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s Foreign Relations Minister, highlighted efforts to support Mexicans detained in the U.S. He mentioned that Mexico has strengthened its consulate network to better assist its citizens. This network consists of 53 consulates, which is more than any other country has in the U.S. The consulates have been modernized to provide more efficient services, including digital resources that reduce the need for in-person visits. A program called “Mexico with M for Migrant” has been funded with over 31 million pesos to aid the legal processes of Mexicans abroad.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Investigación |
| Consulate | Consulado |
| Program | Programa |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think it’s important for countries to have consulates in foreign nations?
- What actions could be taken to prevent similar deaths in the future?
- How can countries work together to ensure the safety of immigrants?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What can be done to improve the conditions of people in custody?
- Why is it important to investigate the causes of these deaths?
