The Trump Administration didn’t like what happened in Los Angeles, nor did it like the Mexican flags waving in the city’s streets.
Trump supporters immediately began spreading the word on social media that President Claudia Sheinbaum had incited Mexican migrants to act violently: False.
A video is circulating in which Sheinbaum is seen speaking about Republican politicians’ attempts to impose a tax on remittances sent to Mexico. Her speech was clearly clear and forceful. She rejected the tax and spoke about the taxes already paid by migrants, both documented and undocumented, in the United States.
In one part of the video, Sheinbaum calls on Mexican communities to express their disagreement with these tariffs, which would harm their families in Mexico, as they would reduce the amount sent.
That speech took place before the immigration operations began and people took to the streets. Even so, aware of the dynamics of Trumpism, both Trump and some members of his cabinet were quick to blame Sheinbaum for this “insurrection.”
US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem directly accused Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of “encouraging” the protests by the migrant community in California, which have resulted in riots and dozens of arrests. The Mexican president immediately responded to Noem’s accusation, which she described as “absolutely false,” and clarified that, on the contrary, she has positioned herself against violent demonstrations.
Noem’s accusation is quite serious and opens the door for the diplomatic apparatus to be deployed to clarify the dispute. Furthermore, it comes just days before the G-7 leaders’ meeting, where Mexico and the United States are scheduled to discuss bilateral issues related specifically to immigration policy, security, and trade.
The President of Mexico released the following statement.
“A few moments ago, in response to a media question, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security mistakenly mentioned that I encouraged protests in Los Angeles. I inform you that this is absolutely false. Here is my statement from yesterday, in which I clearly condemn the demonstrations. We have always been against them, and even more so now in the high position I hold. On the other hand, our position is and will continue to be the defense of honest, hardworking Mexicans who support the United States economy and their families in Mexico. I am certain that dialogue and respect are the best path to understanding between our peoples and our nations, and that this misunderstanding will be cleared up.”
