#14/2023
For Immediate Release
Friday, August 11, 2023
LAWSUIT FILED FOR THE DEATH OF A MEXICAN NATIONAL IN SAN DIEGO
The family of Mr. Joel Reyes Muñoz, a national of Mexico who died in 2022 in the custody of the US immigration authority, filed a civil lawsuit on August 3, 2023, which the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego will follow up until its conclusion.
On January 12, 2022, this consular representation received notification from the US immigration authority about the death of Mexican Joel Reyes Muñoz, 38 years old, originally from Aguascalientes, in an area adjacent to the Otay checkpoint, after having entered the United States between ports of entry.
Immediately afterwards, the Mexican Consulate asked the corresponding authorities for a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation to clarify the facts and establish responsibilities.
Consular staff visited the area where the events occurred and since then have established constant communication with various authorities about the case.
It has also provided support to the family for the transfer of his remains back to Mexico and held a videoconference between the relatives of Mr. Reyes and the civil lawyer Eugene Iredale (who is one of the Consulate´s consultant attorneys), during which he explained to the family the possibility of filing a civil lawsuit.
The Consulate General of Mexico reiterates its condolences to the family of Mr. Joel Reyes Muñoz and reasserts its commitment to continue providing consular protection to Mexican nationals in San Diego County, as its highest priority.
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