Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's president.Photographer: Mayolo Lopez Gutierrez/Bloomberg
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned what she described as human rights violations during the detention of Mexican migrants in anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles, adding that her government has activated all available consular mechanisms to help protect them.
The arrests over the weekend come as President Donald Trump ramps up his crackdown on unlawful migration in the country’s second-largest city after he called up National Guard troops over the objections of state and local officials.
“We do not agree with actions that violate the human rights of migrants, that criminalize them. They are honest workers,” Sheinbaum said during a press conference on Monday, while also rejecting any violent acts.
She implored the large Mexican community of Los Angeles to take only peaceful actions while avoiding provocations, and pledged that her government will continue to work with US authorities to address migration. Sheinbaum stressed that enforcement actions should be carried out humanely.
Protesters waving Mexican flags stand on top of a vandalized vehicle during a demonstration in Los Angeles, on June 8.Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg
The Mexican leader also asked the US government to respect the due process rights of detained migrants. She argued that the economy of Mexico’s northern neighbor depends on its immigrant workforce.
“The US economy needs them, they are not pushing US workers aside,” said Sheinbaum. “It is a very buoyant economy that requires labor.”
During the press conference, Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente noted that 42 Mexicans have been detained during the LA demonstrations, 37 men and five women. He added that four of them have been deported.
Mexico’s top diplomat pledged “dialogue, cooperation, coordination, but no subordination” with US immigration authorities.
Tensions have escalated for three days in Los Angeles as anti-deportation protesters clashed with law enforcement. Trump’s order to deploy National Guard troops over the weekend, despite the objections of California’s top local leadership, has led to growing frictions on both sides.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he formally asked the White House to rescind its “unlawful” order and return the troops to his command, warning it would only ramp up tensions. He added that California will sue the administration over the action.
Sheinbaum also told reporters on Monday that she will attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, later this month and that it’s “very likely” she will meet Trump there.
