In Los Angeles, California, protests and unrest are still underway. On June 10, Kristi Noem, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, accused Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, of inciting the demonstrations.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Noem stated, “Sheinbaum has stepped forward to incite more protests in Los Angeles. I condemn her actions. She should not be encouraging violent protests that are already unfolding.”
Claudia Sheinbaum Responds with Strong Denial
That same evening, Sheinbaum responded on X (formerly known as Twitter). She dismissed the accusation as “completely false.” 
In her post, she included a video of an interview from the previous day. In the video, Sheinbaum clearly condemned violent behavior. She called on the Mexican-American community in Los Angeles to act peacefully.
“I’ve always been against violence,” she said. “Now, with even greater responsibility on my shoulders, I oppose it more firmly than ever.”
Sheinbaum also emphasized her support for Mexican citizens abroad. She said, “Our position now and in the future is to defend honest and hardworking Mexicans. They contribute to the U.S. economy, and they support their families back in Mexico.”
Immigration Raids Fuel Outrage and Demonstrations
The situation has grown more intense since Donald Trump returned to the presidency. He has reintroduced strict immigration policies, citing national security concerns.
Beginning on June 6, federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), launched operations across Los Angeles. They began large-scale arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants.
These actions immediately triggered public outrage. Protests broke out in several neighborhoods. At many protest sites, demonstrators waved the Mexican flag, creating controversy across the U.S.
The Flag That Became a Symbol
Some U.S. media reports described the Mexican flag as a “powerful symbol of protest.” Protesters also displayed flags from other Latin American countries.
The Trump administration, however, viewed the flag-waving differently. Officials labeled it as evidence of an “invasion” and even a “rebellion” by immigrants. The administration used this imagery to justify its harsh rhetoric and enforcement measures.
Mexican Americans Push Back on Narrative
However, many news outlets pointed out a different reality. Mexican Americans, who make up a large portion of Los Angeles residents, were waving flags not as rebels, but as supporters. They stood in solidarity with those being detained.
These protesters were expressing frustration with federal enforcement, not calling for insurrection. Their message was clear: these raids were unjust, and the community would not remain silent.
Sheinbaum Criticizes U.S. Immigration Crackdown
On June 8, Sheinbaum openly criticized the U.S. government’s recent actions. She condemned the deployment of the National Guard and the mass immigration raids.
She argued that Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. “are not criminals.” She stressed that the immigration crisis cannot be solved through raids or violence.
Instead, she called for meaningful dialogue. She urged both countries to pursue comprehensive immigration reform. She also stated clearly that Mexico opposes all forms of extreme action—whether domestic or international.
