Rally to Unite Mexicans Against Trump Exposes Divisions Instead

Massive anti-Trump rallies planned in major Mexican cities Sunday have divided civil society, political leaders and analysts as different protests have taken distinct approaches and the driving forces behind the marches remain unclear. 

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The movements "Vibra Mexico" and "Mexicanos Unidos" called people to rally along Reforma Avenue in Mexico City, where a number of demonstrators will gather at the iconic Angel de la Independencia. However, both movements have carved out unique ideological positions, contradicting the premise of the march as “national unity against Trump.”

"Vibra Mexico" has gained the largest support so far and the organizing committee is integrated by the most important education centers in the country, including the National University of Mexico. It has also garnered the support of human rights advocates, such as Amnesty International, Article 19 and Mexico against Corruption and Impunity.

"Mexicanos Unidos" is led by conservative political groups and organizations that support the unpopular administration of President Enrique Peña Nieto, who has shown a weak position against the constant attacks and offensive rhetoric against Mexico by U.S. President Donald Trump.

"I don't trust these guys and that's why I'm not attending the rally "Vibra Mexico." If you do so, bring huge banners against Peña Nieto" 

Organizers of both marches have highlighted the non-partisan nature of the rallies and the Mexican head of state has endorsed the demonstrations. 

Some analysts have said that Mexicans have not taken to the streets to show their rejection to Trump as other countries have. This is somewhat surprising given that Mexico has been directly targeted by Trump's rhetoric and policies, particularly an executive order enabling construction of a border wall and the promise to make Mexico foot the bill. 

Meanwhile, a social media debate has begun with some people saying that Sunday's march would actually be an endorsement for the Peña Nieto administration amid tensions with the new U.S. government. 

The Mexican government has said it will not pay for the wall and has maintained a willingness to negotiate with Trump based on the relatively cordial U.S.-Mexico relationship in recent years. Trump has not lowered the tone of its aggressions and threats against Mexico.