In the wake of violent protests in Los Angeles that have captured the attention of Mexican media, President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly condemned the clashes while refraining from directly criticizing the strict immigration tactics employed by the United States.
Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of Mexican citizens in California not resorting to violence and called upon U.S. authorities to show respect for the human dignity of hardworking and honest Mexican immigrants.
“Burning patrol cars seems more like an act of provocation than one of resistance,” she remarked on Monday, highlighting her nuanced position amid rising tensions.
On Sunday, during a hospital ribbon-cutting ceremony near Mexico City, Sheinbaum offered a more direct critique of U.S. immigration practices, stating, “The immigration phenomenon cannot be dealt with through violence or raids.”
Images circulated on social media and in news outlets depict U.S. agents in tactical gear confronting protesters waving Mexican flags, further fueling outrage back home.
Gerardo Fernández Noroña, president of the Mexican Senate and part of Sheinbaum’s ruling Morena party, also voiced strong discontent.
“We call on the government of the United States to avoid any act of repression and rectify its unjust and arbitrary policy against millions of immigrants,” he told reporters.
On the streets of Mexico City, many citizens reacted not to the protests but rather to the recent immigration raids in Southern California, perceiving them as unjust attacks on their compatriots.
Alejandra Morales, a 47-year-old employee at a rehabilitation clinic, expressed concern for her cousins living in California, saying, “They’re very worried and frightened about the raids. They are good people who only seek a better life for their kids. President Trump may ruin their lives.”
Sofía González, a 32-year-old veterinarian, added, “I think President Sheinbaum should be very forceful in her protests against Trump. We’ve had enough of Trump doing crazy things and maltreating Mexicans.”
Sheinbaum expressed her gratitude to Los Angeles for hosting generations of Mexican immigrants and their families.
Notably, Mexican citizens represent the largest immigrant group in the United States, with estimates suggesting they number over 11 million.
Despite this, President Sheinbaum’s approach has been characterized by a desire to maintain a cooperative relationship with the Trump administration.
Sheinbaum’s motto, “cooperation, not subjugation,” reflects her strategic navigation of the friction between the two governments.
While she has criticized Trump’s policies on mass deportation, she insists that Mexico is committed to welcoming its deported citizens back home.
According to the Mexican foreign ministry, during recent raids, 42 Mexican citizens were arrested—37 men and 5 women.
At least four individuals had previous removal orders and were expelled back to Mexico, while two others voluntarily agreed to return.
U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson defended the enforcement actions taken by the Trump administration, asserting the need for law and order while recognizing the dignified nature of the Mexican community.
“The violent protesters in LA don’t represent the Mexican people: dignified and hard-working, that we know and respect,” Johnson stated in a message written in Spanish on social media.
He emphasized that the U.S. actions serve to protect all communities and reinforce the rule of law.
Despite the current tensions resulting from U.S. immigration policies, Mexican authorities have noted that deportations to Mexico have not significantly increased, generally remaining around 200,000 annually.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-06-09/mexican-president-condemns-l-a-violence-calls-on-mexicans-to-act-peacefully
