Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accuses Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of inciting protests in Los Angeles against harsh U.S. immigration raids, while Sheinbaum calls for respect for migrants’ rights and peaceful protest.

Related:

U.S. Deploys 700 Marines to Los Angeles Amid Anti-Immigration Protests: Escalation of Repression Under Trump

In a highly charged press conference held in the Oval Office alongside former President Donald Trump, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly condemned Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, accusing her of encouraging protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions.

The protests, sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, have persisted for five days despite heavy militarization of the city, including deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and Marines.

Contrary to Noem’s accusations, President Sheinbaum has consistently condemned violence during the demonstrations and urged peaceful resistance and respect for human rights. She emphasized the significant contributions of migrants to American society and insisted that the Mexican government will defend the rights of its citizens abroad.

Sheinbaum also called on U.S. authorities to adhere to legal standards and address the root causes of migration rather than resorting to raids and militarized repression.

The Trump administration’s response to the protests has been marked by a heavy-handed approach, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, framing the unrest as a rebellion that requires military intervention.

Police and federal agents have used tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition to suppress demonstrators, resulting in over 100 arrests. Critics argue that these measures exacerbate tensions and reflect a broader policy of criminalizing migration and dissent rather than addressing systemic issues.

🪖💥 #ULTIMAHORA Acusa la Secretaria de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, Kristi Noem, a la Presidenta de México, Claudia Sheinbaum, de inducir las protestas de migrantes en Los Ángeles, California..

Seguridad Nacional de EU vs #migrantes
– pic.twitter.com/eLqWllwp9a

— Alex Monday (@AMBcancun) June 10, 2025

The text reads: #BREAKING U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Accuses Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of Inciting Migrant Protests in Los Angeles, California.
U.S. Homeland Security vs. #migrants

While Secretary Noem condemned Sheinbaum’s alleged encouragement of protests as incitement to violence, Sheinbaum’s statements have focused on peaceful protest and legal protections for migrants.

The Mexican president’s stance aligns with calls for immigration reform and human rights protections, contrasting sharply with the Trump administration’s rhetoric, which has framed the situation as an “immigrant invasion” and justified militarized crackdowns.

The confrontation between U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum highlights the deep divisions over immigration policy and civil liberties.

While the U.S. government escalates repression and blames foreign leaders for dissent, Sheinbaum advocates for respect, legal due process, and addressing migration’s structural causes. This conflict underscores the urgent need for humane immigration policies and the protection of migrant communities amid rising authoritarian tactics in the United States.

IN THIS ARTICLE