SerpApi.Org
Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, a 28-year-old Mexican national from San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato, who died during an immigration enforcement operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in St. Augustine, Florida, on July 14, 2026, had a valid tourist visa. A close associate of the family revealed that he had entered the country three weeks ago for a vacation.
The incident occurred when ICE agents encountered Coronilla Durán and three other men during an operation at a gas station near State Road 16 in St. Augustine, Florida. Durán attempted to flee on foot and tried to cross State Road 16, where he was struck by an eastbound tractor-trailer. He later died of his injuries at the scene.
Family, Supporters Say He Was in the U.S. Legally
Isaret Jeffers, who is part of an organization supporting Durán’s wife, said he had proper documentation to be in the U.S. Durán had allegedly entered the United States three weeks ago for vacation and had been in Florida for two days. “He was going to return this past Saturday. He had already bought a flight ticket,” Jeffers said in a conversation with the Tampa Bay Times. “Now, unfortunately, if he is returning, his return is different.”
“People are too afraid to go out and do things that used to be normal, like going to the supermarket, taking their kids to the park,” Jeffers said in a statement, referring to the increasing amount of immigrant deaths under the Trump administration. “None of that is happening anymore.”
Following the incident, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement. “On July 14, DHS law enforcement conducted an operation near St. Johns, Florida. Florida Highway Patrol and HSI are investigating an incident resulting in the death of a Mexican national. We will provide an update when available,” the department said.
Mexican President Opens Investigation Into Durán’s Death
When the DHS was asked by various publications on the man’s visa status, the department refused to comment and instead redirected to the same statement. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has addressed reports that Durán was in the U.S. legally and has opened an investigation into the matter. The investigation will focus on the deaths of at least 18 Mexican nationals since President Donald Trump assumed office in January 2025.
“We express our deepest solidarity and sincere condolences to the family of the victims. Their pain is shared by the entire nation,” Sheinbaum said in a statement following Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán’s slaying. “No fellow citizen should be unprotected when facing possible abuse from authority, disproportionate use of force, or human rights violations.”
