President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed two significant issues at her morning press conference on Wednesday: the arrest of an undocumented Mexican man in the United States and a tragic massacre in Guanajuato.
Sheinbaum spoke strongly against the heavy-handed tactics used by ICE during the arrest of Narciso Barranco, a 48-year-old gardener who has lived in the U.S. for 31 years. Videos of the arrest, which show Barranco being punched by agents, have sparked outrage. Barranco, originally from Cuernavaca, Morelos, is the father of three sons who have served in the U.S. military. “What opinion do you have about this?” Sheinbaum was asked. She responded, “All of that is unfair, it’s an injustice,” emphasizing the contributions of Mexican migrants to American society.
Notably, her comments echoed statements made by actor Diego Luna during a guest-hosting appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” where he defended immigrants and critiqued the authoritarian policies of former President Trump. Sheinbaum affirmed Luna’s sentiments, stating that millions of Mexicans in the U.S. are not criminals but rather integral parts of society who contribute significantly to their communities.
In a separate discussion, Sheinbaum condemned a massacre that occurred in Irapuato, Guanajuato, on Tuesday night, which left 11 dead and 20 others injured during local celebrations. Describing the incident as “terrible,” she noted that the motive remains unclear and that the area has experienced significant violence recently.
The focus on both issues underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration and violence in Mexico, as well as the importance of acknowledging the contributions of immigrants to society. Sheinbaum’s comments may inspire a movement for greater recognition and support for migrant rights, reflecting a growing advocacy for justice and compassion in the face of adversity.