Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has spoken out strongly after a false statement made by the U.S. government caused confusion. At the center of the issue are large protests happening in Los Angeles.
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People there are upset about recent immigration raids and the presence of the National Guard. These protests have included some violent acts like setting police cars on fire, which Sheinbaum made clear she does not support.
Sheinbaum, during a press conference, said her country supports peaceful actions only. She asked Mexicans to remain calm and avoid any kind of violence or provocation. Still, a top U.S. official claimed that Sheinbaum was encouraging more protests, which the official believed were violent. This accusation was quickly shared on social media and even picked up by media voices who used it to suggest harsh new rules against Mexico, including new taxes on money sent back home by Mexican workers in the U.S.
In response, Sheinbaum posted her actual statement from the day before. She reminded everyone that she condemned all violent actions and said it was false to claim otherwise. She explained that burning patrol cars is not a way to resist, but rather an act that stirs up more trouble. She clearly told the Mexican community to stay peaceful and not fall for any tricks meant to provoke them.
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Language Difference Leads to Confusion
One reason for the misunderstanding is a difference in how words are used between English and Spanish. A short video of Sheinbaum speaking from an earlier press event has been taken out of context. In the clip, she says Mexico will continue to “mobilize” against unfair taxes on remittances — the money Mexican workers send home to their families.
Some people in the U.S. heard the word “mobilize” and thought Sheinbaum meant to call for protests or even violence. But in Spanish, the word often simply means to organize or come together, and not in a military or dangerous way.
Sheinbaum has used the word before to talk about peaceful gatherings. For example, she once called for people to gather peacefully in a public square to hear her speak. It had nothing to do with violence or fighting. Still, U.S. political voices have used the word as “proof” that Sheinbaum was being aggressive, and have even used it to suggest stricter policies and more taxes aimed at Mexico.
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While the debate over the false accusation continues, Sheinbaum is also focusing on the Mexican citizens caught up in the U.S. immigration raids. She confirmed that at least 61 Mexicans have been detained in Los Angeles. She promised that they would get legal help, support from consulates, and help in contacting their families.
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Sheinbaum explained that all Mexican consulates — especially the one in Los Angeles — are working closely with the families. She wants to make sure no one is left without help or support. The Mexican government is offering legal services and guidance to every person affected.
She also spoke about the need for the U.S. to create a fair and complete immigration reform. She believes that people who have lived in the U.S. for many years should be recognized and treated with respect. These are people who have worked hard and helped the U.S. economy while supporting their families back in Mexico.
In the past, Mexico’s leadership has asked the U.S. to focus on fixing the causes of immigration, like poverty and lack of jobs. One such idea was to support a program where poor farmers are paid to plant trees. The goal was to help people earn money and improve the environment at the same time. But the U.S. has not shown interest in that program.
Instead, immigration enforcement in the U.S. has grown. Over one billion dollars more was added to ICE, the U.S. agency that handles immigration raids. This agency is now on track to arrest over 260,000 people this year. Many human rights groups have raised concerns about ICE, saying it mistreats children, partners with abusive private prisons, and blocks people from getting legal asylum.
These issues continue to create tension between the two countries. But for now, President Sheinbaum is standing by her message: Mexico supports peace, protects its people, and will not allow false claims to go unchallenged.