The recent immigrant protests in Los Angeles have significant political repercussions in Mexico, coinciding with a critical moment for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who is set to meet President Donald Trump for their inaugural face-to-face encounter.
Challenges for President Sheinbaum have intensified following accusations from U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who criticized the Mexican leader for allegedly “encouraging violent protests” during a public event in the White House.
Despite Sheinbaum’s consistent advocacy for immigrants’ rights and her calls for peaceful protest, there is no evidence that she has ever supported violence.
In fact, just before Noem’s criticism, Sheinbaum had explicitly called for non-violent actions among Mexicans in Southern California, making her opposition to violence quite clear.
Nevertheless, her political foes in Mexico have seized upon Noem’s accusations to amplify criticism against her. They have also referenced Sheinbaum’s previous remarks from weeks before the protests, in which she urged Mexicans in the U.S. to “mobilize” against a proposed U.S. tax on remittances to Mexico.
Senator Lily Téllez, an opposition figure, posted a video on social media asserting that Sheinbaum’s rhetoric emboldened immigrants to “violate the law without consequences, as if it were Mexico.”
The barrage of critical commentary has positioned Sheinbaum in a precarious situation: she needs to defend immigrant rights, a longstanding expectation of Mexican leaders, yet she must also avoid escalating tensions with the United States.
In response to the backlash, Sheinbaum has rejected her opponents’ accusations, labeling them as “anti-patriotic.”
“How is it that Mexicans dare to say I promoted violence in the United States? With what objective?” she questioned during a recent address, suggesting that her critics wish to jeopardize Mexico’s relationship with the U.S. or provoke adverse actions from the American government.
She emphasized her commitment to diplomacy and the respectful treatment of Mexicans abroad, stating, “Any demonstration has to be peaceful.”
Media coverage of the protests has largely favored immigrants, condemning the U.S. efforts to detain and deport them. Commentators appear to resonate more with the struggles of immigrants in Southern California, showcasing their resilience and experiences.
Sheinbaum retains a solid political standing, buoyed by a 70% public approval rating and strong control of state legislatures and the Congress through her Morena party. Despite the criticisms from opposition parties, she does not appear to face immediate political danger.
However, the narrative that frames her as an instigator has gained traction among conservative commentators in the U.S., some of whom depict her as manipulating events from her position in Mexico City. Charlie Kirk, a notable voice on the far right, has made inflammatory assertions about her purported intentions.
Sheinbaum has consistently embraced peaceful advocacy, drawing inspiration from historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez, reinforcing her stance that all demonstrations should be nonviolent.
Commenting on the protests, she urged caution regarding the heavy display of Mexican flags in Los Angeles, particularly a controversial image of a protestor atop a burned car with a flag, which she deemed a potential “provocation.”
Moreover, the implications of her comments regarding a tax on remittances have added to the complexity. Sheinbaum has expressed that such a tax, which threatens financial support for many families in Mexico, is unacceptable and has called on U.S. residents of Mexican descent to voice their opposition.
In a recent address, she indicated a readiness to mobilize against this tax, raising questions about the exact nature of her calls to action without explicitly endorsing violent protest.
The footage of Sheinbaum’s appeal to “mobilize” has circulated online, presenting fodder for critics to argue that she promotes unrest, even if it was never her intention.
As the immigrant protests continue gaining traction across the United States, the upcoming meeting at the Group of Seven summit between Sheinbaum and President Trump puts the Mexican leader in a delicate diplomatic position.
In a public speech, she confirmed plans to address recent treatment of Mexicans in the U.S. during her meeting with the American president, maintaining her stance that Mexicans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
“We don’t agree with the treatment of honest Mexicans who work every day for the good of the United States and pay their taxes,” she asserted, emphasizing that the contributions of Mexicans are vital to the U.S. economy.
As she prepares for the high-stakes meeting, the challenges Sheinbaum faces not only stem from her political opponents but also from the need to balance domestic support for immigrants with the complexities of international relations, especially in light of the growing tensions surrounding immigration policies.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-06-16/immigrant-protests-violence-reverberate-in-mexico
