MEXICO CITY — As photos of chaos in Los Angeles dominated Mexican media, President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the weekend clashes however avoided any direct denunciation of Washington’s hard-line immigration ways — whereas urging Mexican residents in California to eschew violence.
Sheinbaum, who has received widespread popularity of her deft dealing with of incendiary pronouncements by President Trump on tariffs, drug smuggling and different points, once more sought to stroll a tremendous line: She referred to as on U.S. authorities to “respect the human dignity” of “hard-working” and “honest” Mexican immigrants, whereas denouncing illegal acts.
“Burning patrol cars seems more like an act of provocation than one of resistance,” Sheinbaum stated Monday.
I’ve some cousins dwelling in California and so they’re very apprehensive and frightened concerning the raids….Trump could smash their lives
— Alejandra Morales, Mexico Metropolis resident
A day earlier, the president had been extra pointed in her critique of U.S. immigration roundups, which have drawn widespread outrage right here.
“The immigration phenomenon cannot be dealt with through violence or raids,” Sheinbaum advised a crowd Sunday at a hospital ribbon-cutting exterior the capital.
“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,” Gerardo Fernández Noroña, president of the Mexican Senate and a member of Sheinbaum’s ruling Morena bloc, advised reporters.
On the streets in Mexico Metropolis, many Mexicans targeted not on the protests, however latest raids by immigration brokers in Southern California. They assailed what they seen as unwarranted assaults in opposition to compatriots and kin.
“I have some cousins living in California and they’re very worried and frightened about the raids,” stated Alejandra Morales, 47, who works in a rehab clinic within the capital. “They are good people who only seek a better life for their kids. Trump may ruin their lives.”
Mentioned Sofía González, 32, a veterinarian: “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.”
In her feedback, Sheinbaum expressed appreciation to Los Angeles for having offered a house for generations of Mexican immigrants and their households.
Mexican residents are the most important immigrant group in the USA, numbering greater than 11 million, based on numerous estimates. Mexican-born immigrants are broadly dispersed throughout the nation, although Los Angeles remains to be seen right here because the capital of the Mexican disapora.
Los Angeles “has been generous, and we Mexicans have been generous with this city,” Sheinbaum stated.
In accordance with the Mexican overseas ministry, 42 Mexican residents had been arrested within the latest raids, 37 males and 5 girls. 4 had earlier elimination orders and have already been expelled again to Mexico; two others agreed to return to Mexico voluntarily.
Ronald Johnson, the U.S. ambassador in Mexico Metropolis, defended the Trump administration crackdown, whereas additionally praising Mexico and its individuals.
“The violent protesters in LA don’t represent the Mexican people: dignified and hard-working, that we know and respect,” Johnson wrote in Spanish on X. “Our actions protect every community and reinforce the rule of law. Mexico is our partner and our nations are profoundly united.”
Sheinbaum’s response to the clashes in Los Angeles is in keeping with her efforts to keep away from disputes with the Trump administration. Her motto has been: “cooperation, not subjugation.” The president has criticized Trump’s mass deportation agenda however stated that Mexico welcomes its deported residents.
Up to now, Mexican authorities say, deportations from the USA to Mexico haven’t spiked, regardless of the Trump administration insurance policies. In recent times, the USA has eliminated about 200,000 Mexican residents again to Mexico every year.
Particular correspondent Cecilia Sánchez Vidal contributed to this report.
