In her Wednesday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed several critical issues, including the arrest of an undocumented Mexican man in the U.S. and a recent massacre in Guanajuato. She also acknowledged actor Diego Luna’s monologue on immigration during his guest-hosting appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. This convergence of events highlights Mexico’s concerns about its citizens abroad and internal security challenges.
The President’s comments underscore the importance of these issues to her administration. Sheinbaum’s alignment with Luna’s statements on immigration reflects a broader sentiment in Mexico regarding the treatment of its diaspora. Her attention to both the international and domestic events demonstrates the multifaceted challenges facing Mexico today. The following sections detail Sheinbaum’s responses, providing context and implications for each issue.
Sheinbaum Condemns ICE’s Treatment of Mexican Gardener
President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced her strong disapproval of the recent arrest of Narciso Barranco, an undocumented Mexican gardener in the United States. Video footage showing ICE agents using force against the 48-year-old has circulated widely, drawing condemnation. Sheinbaum described the incident as an “injustice,” emphasizing Barranco’s 31 years of residence in the U.S. and the fact that his sons have served in the U.S. military.
“All of that is unfair, it’s an injustice,” Sheinbaum stated, highlighting the contributions of Mexicans living in the U.S. “The Mexicans who live in the United States…are people who went to the United States out of necessity and they’ve made their lives there.” She further added that these migrants “are Mexicans and Americans at the same time…because they’ve contributed to the United States their whole lives.”
Sheinbaum affirmed her administration’s commitment to defending Mexican migrants, noting that the Mexican Consulate has already contacted Barranco. While acknowledges that “initial videos of the arrest have been countered with videos from the [Trump] administration, which has said Barranco assaulted the officers with his weed trimmer,” Sheinbaum stressed his lack of a criminal record, according to his son, Alejandro Barranco, a Marine veteran.
Sheinbaum Acknowledges Diego Luna’s Defense of Immigrants
President Sheinbaum took a moment to commend Diego Luna for his recent remarks on immigration while guest-hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Luna, known for his roles in “Star Wars” and “Narcos: Mexico,” used his platform to denounce what he termed the “authoritarian policies” of United States President Donald Trump, delivering a robust defense of immigrants in the U.S.
Luna emphasized the vital role immigrants play in American society, stating, “They are the ones who built this country, they feed it, they nurture and teach its children.” He added that immigrants “care for the elderly, they work in construction, hospitality, they run kitchens, they’re technicians, merchants, athletes, drivers, farmers. They pay a lot of taxes, … papers or no papers.”
Sheinbaum expressed her agreement with Luna’s sentiments, stating that his message reflected her own views. She highlighted that millions of Mexicans “have given their lives so that the United States is what it is and the city of Los Angeles is what it is.” Sheinbaum reiterated her opposition to immigration raids and the characterization of migrants as criminals, asserting, “If there is a person who committed a crime, action should be taken. But the millions and millions of Mexicans [in the U.S.] aren’t criminals. They’re heroes and heroines.”
Sheinbaum Addresses Massacre in Irapuato, Guanajuato
Turning to domestic issues, Sheinbaum addressed the recent massacre in Irapuato, Guanajuato, describing it as “terrible.” The incident, which occurred during celebrations for the feast day of Saint John the Baptist, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. While initial reports varied, the FGEG later confirmed that 11 people had died, including a minor, and 20 others were wounded.
Sheinbaum described the event as a “confrontation,” although there were no reports of those attacked firing back at the gunmen. Guanajuato, a state plagued by violence in recent years, has recorded a significant number of homicides. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and no arrests have been made. Sheinbaum stated that the massacre is under investigation, promising further details as they become available.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges Mexico faces in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety. Guanajuato has been Mexico’s most violent state in terms of total homicides in recent years. The state has recorded , although homicide numbers have trended down.
Conclusion
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Wednesday press conference addressed critical issues ranging from the treatment of Mexican migrants in the U.S. to domestic security challenges in Guanajuato. Her alignment with Diego Luna’s defense of immigrants highlights Mexico’s ongoing concern for its citizens living abroad, while her response to the Irapuato massacre underscores the urgency of addressing violence within the country.
The President’s commitment to defending Mexican migrants, as demonstrated by her condemnation of ICE’s actions and support for Luna’s statements, reflects a broader national sentiment. Meanwhile, the investigation into the Irapuato massacre signals the government’s intent to address the root causes of violence and ensure accountability. These events and responses underscore the complex challenges facing Mexico today.
These issues will likely remain at the forefront of Sheinbaum’s agenda, influencing Mexico’s relationship with the U.S. and its approach to domestic security. The administration’s effectiveness in addressing these challenges will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as Mexico navigates its role in an increasingly interconnected world.
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