Melquiades Estrada is a fictional character from the 2005 film "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada," directed by Tommy Lee Jones. He is a Mexican immigrant who works as a ranch hand in Texas. His life takes a tragic turn when he is killed, prompting his friend, Pete Perkins, to seek justice and fulfill a promise to give him a proper burial. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of immigration. Melquiades becomes a symbol of the struggles faced by many immigrants, highlighting the human cost of border issues and the importance of dignity in death.