Mexico City, (EFE).- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly denied on Tuesday, in response to a public accusation from United States Homeland Security Kristi Noem, that she encouraged violent protests in Los Angeles following immigration raids that led to the detention of 42 Mexican nationals.
“Just moments ago, the US Secretary of Homeland Security mistakenly claimed I encouraged violent protests in Los Angeles. I want to make it absolutely clear: that is false,” Sheinbaum said on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a video from her Monday press conference where she condemned violent demonstrations.
“We have always opposed violence, especially now that I hold such a high office,” she added.
Sheinbaum expressed confidence that the misunderstanding would be resolved, noting that “dialogue and mutual respect” are key to strong US-Mexico relations.
On Tuesday, she called for a “comprehensive immigration reform” in the US that recognizes the contributions of Mexicans living there.
Tensions rise over US immigration raids
The controversy began after ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) carried out large-scale immigration raids over the weekend, particularly in Los Angeles.
The Mexican government voiced “deep concern” over the operations, which many activists have described as aggressive and disruptive.
At a press conference in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Secretary Noem responded to Sheinbaum’s comments by accusing her of promoting unrest.
“Sheinbaum encouraged more protests in Los Angeles, and I condemn that. People have a right to protest peacefully, but the violence we’ve seen is unacceptable,” Noem said, standing next to United States President Donald Trump.
Trump backed Noem’s remarks, saying he too condemned the violence and highlighting his deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to restore order.
The move byed California’s governor, Democrat Garvin Newsom, and marked the first time in over 60 years that a president deployed federal troops without state approval.
Local leaders and immigrant rights groups have strongly criticized the decision, calling it an unnecessary escalation.
Mexican flags spark controversy in LA demonstrations
Meanwhile, the protests in Los Angeles have drawn attention to the visible presence of Mexican flags.
While for many the flag represents cultural pride, critics in the US government and conservative media have framed it as a political provocation.
Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration policy, posted on social media: “Look at all the foreign flags. Los Angeles is occupied territory.”
US Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, took a more diplomatic tone, saying flags to avoid controversy but stressed that “we cannot force protesters, or we’d be violating their freedom of expression.”
Many demonstrators see the flag and my father’s Mexican flag,” said Beatriz Feliz, a US citizen of Mexican descent who attended Sunday’s rally with her 9-year-old son.
Los Angeles is home to the second-largest Mexican population in the world, after Mexico City, making the flag a common sight in the city’s cultural and social fabric.
Protesters have also waved flags from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, and Venezuela. EFE
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