After confirming and announcing that all the victims of the vehicular accident that occurred on Saturday, May 18, in Idaho Falls, United States, in which six people died and nine were injured, are of Mexican origin, the Secretary of Foreign Relations (SFR) deeply regretted the death of the compatriots and extends its condolences to the affected families.
Both the deceased and the injured were holders of H2A visas, meaning they were agricultural workers traveling to their workplace when the van they were in was struck by another vehicle.
Following this tragic event, the federal agency assured through a press release that all necessary consular assistance and protection will be provided, and consular assistance and preventive protection actions will be strengthened to safeguard the integrity of people working in that country under this labor mobility scheme.
The Mexican consular representation in Boise will closely monitor the repatriation of the deceased to their places of origin in Mexico and the investigation by the Idaho State Police and labor authorities.
Regarding the nine injured, it is reported that seven remain hospitalized but stable, and two have already been discharged.
The Consulate contacted the company Sigmet Farms Services, responsible for hiring the workers, as well as lawyers, to provide the necessary advice and support.
The authorities of the state governments have been notified of the incident and will coordinate for any required arrangements.
The Government of Mexico reiterates that the protection of Mexican citizens abroad is a priority in its foreign policy, especially those facing vulnerable situations such as H2A agricultural workers in the United States of America.
In this regard, the SFR statement emphasizes that "legal and diplomatic tools will be analyzed to ensure full respect and defense of their human and labor rights, seeking to strengthen the legal framework that regulates their living and working conditions, so that incidents of this nature are thoroughly investigated, and responsibilities and penalties are assigned accordingly."
Through her X account, the head of the SFR, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, stated that the compatriots and their families are not alone and deserve an investigation.