Mexico President Sheinbaum urges LA immigration protesters to remain peaceful

The protests, which began peacefully, became a riot after demonstrators began assaulting immigration officers, burning self-driving vehicles, closed down at least one city highway, and threw concrete rocks at law enforcement officers.

By Misty Severi

Published: June 9, 2025 6:04pm

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday urged the Mexican community in Los Angeles who were participating in protests against a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids to remain peaceful.

Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters flooded downtown Los Angeles this weekend over the raids. The protests, which began peacefully, became a riot after demonstrators began assaulting immigration officers, burning self-driving vehicles, closed down at least one city highway, and threw concrete rocks at law enforcement officers.

Sheinbaum urged the protesters to calm down, claiming their actions appeared more inflammatory than productive, per The Hill.

“We do not agree with violent actions as a form of protest," she said in her daily news briefing. "Burning police cars appears to be more an act of provocation than of resistance. We condemn violence, no matter where it comes from. We call on the Mexican community to act pacifically and not allow itself to be provoked."

Sheinbaum stated that she is committed to the "protection and defense of the human rights of Mexicans, regardless of their immigration status," and urged the Trump administration to treat illegal migrants humanely.

Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente said 42 Mexican nationals have been detained by ICE in Los Angeles so far.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.