THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT STRONGLY REPUDIATES THE ACT OF VIOLENCE ON THE MATAMOROS-BROWNSVILLE BORDER YESTERDAY THAT CAUSED THE DEATH OF A MEXICAN CITIZEN

The Foreign Ministry strongly protests yesterday’s incident near the Los Tomates-Veterans border crossing between Matamoros and Brownsville in which a Mexican citizen died after being shot by a US Border Patrol agent.

As soon as it learned about the incident, the Mexican consulate in Brownsville delivered an official communication to the U.S. authorities asking for a thorough investigation of the incident. This same demand has been transmitted through diplomatic channels, as well.

The Mexican government has repeatedly said that the disproportionate use of lethal force by Border Patrol agents is unacceptable under any circumstances, and the division of responsibilities should be transparent, including judicial proceedings. In addition, the protocols for the use of force by the federal agencies of both countries should be fully respectful of human rights.

The Mexican consulate in Brownsville has offered consular and legal assistance to the victim’s family and will follow closely the investigation of the case. It is also helping all of the Mexican agencies involved at all levels of the government as necessary.

The Mexican government reiterates its commitment to the full implementation of the Mexico-U.S. Joint Statement on the Prevention of Violence in the Border Region and the Protocols on Border Violence, in order to prevent and respond to this type of situation. In addition, through its embassy and consulates in the U.S., Mexico will continue to provide the consular assistance needed to ensure respect for their fundamental rights, regardless of their immigration status.