One year after restoration of absolute monarchy in Spain, king Fernando VII had plans to reconquer Mexico using forces under the command of Félix Calleja.

Iturbide, his pregnant wife Ana María Huarte and his two younger children, a nephew and the Polish lieutenant Beneski arrived on board the English ship Spring on July 14, 1824.

Felipe de la Garza, regional commander, arrested Iturbide and informed him that, in accordance with a decree of Congress, he would be immediately executed by firing squad.

Before execution he spoke to the people gathered in the main square and called on them to remain united as Mexicans, love their country, follow the Catholic precepts and obey the directions of the authorities.

In 1838, president Anastasio Bustamante ordered his remains to be moved to the altar of San Felipe de Jesús in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the City of Mexico.