Mexican Leader Responds to the U.S.: “Our Flag Is a Symbol of Dignity”

As protests mount in Los Angeles over a series of arrests of undocumented migrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a controversy has now arisen regarding the Mexican flag. Several U.S. officials have expressed disappointment at the massive presence of the tricolor banner during the demonstrations, prompting a strong reaction from the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.

During a press conference held in recent days, the Latin American leader condemned the attitude of those who view the national symbol displayed by protesters with suspicion. She stated that, for the country, this emblem does not represent a challenge but rather an identity bond, a sign of belonging and pride for millions of people living across the border.

Sheinbaum also strongly criticized the U.S. government’s crackdown. She described the intervention as a violent and ineffective response to the migration phenomenon and instead called for a global reform capable of addressing the issue with humanity and rationality. She insisted that migrants “are not criminals” but men and women who work honestly to provide a better future for their families.

She also urged calm, while understanding the frustration and anger of a community that feels under attack. She explicitly called for avoiding all forms of violence, emphasizing that her government had instructed consulates to closely monitor the case of detainees and support their relatives.

Additionally, the president believes that the attitude of those who disapprove the presence of this flag in demonstrations is symptomatic of a deeper issue: the difficulty in accepting that U.S. identity is now intertwined with the Mexican one. She noted that nearly half the population of Los Angeles is of Latin origin, and more than 30% comes directly from Mexico. She reaffirmed that, according to her, the United States would not be what they are today without the daily contributions of Mexican citizens.