by the El Reportero staff
Mexico’s foreign minister confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted two immigration raids in Los Angeles on Friday, detaining Mexican nationals. One raid occurred at a Home Depot in Paramount, while the other took place at a textile factory identified as Ambiance Apparel, a clothing manufacturer, importer, and wholesaler located in the city’s Fashion District.
According to NBC News, citing Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Ambiance Apparel was among several locations targeted by federal agents during these operations.
In response, Mexican consular officials quickly visited immigration detention centers in Los Angeles to identify the detained Mexican nationals, offer them legal assistance, and contact their families. Mexico is now analyzing each case individually to determine the appropriate next steps.
“We immediately deployed our consular protection teams,” said Foreign Minister De la Fuente. “Relatives have been contacted by our consular personnel, and we are following up on each case.”
He also noted that, under instructions from Mexico’s president, officials reached out to both U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson and Mexico’s Ambassador in Washington Esteban Moctezuma, who helped ensure that consular agents could access the detention facilities and provide assistance.
Ambassador Johnson emphasized a cooperative approach, stating on social media, “The violent protesters in LA do not represent the proud and hardworking Mexican people we know and respect. Our actions protect all communities and uphold the rule of law. Mexico is our partner — and the ties between our nations run deep.”
Echoing President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, De la Fuente urged the Mexican community in the U.S. to remain calm and peaceful in their reactions. “We need to remain calm. We need all expressions [of protest] to be peaceful,” he said.
On Saturday, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the immigration enforcement actions, particularly in Los Angeles.
Protests and Violence in Los Angeles
The ICE raids have sparked widespread protests across Los Angeles, including in the Paramount area, where the Home Depot raid occurred, and in downtown. Demonstrators have voiced outrage over the aggressive immigration actions and detentions.
However, some protests have turned violent. Police cars and other vehicles have been set ablaze, and protesters have thrown bottles and rocks. In response, law enforcement has deployed tear gas and rubber bullets. Dozens of people have been arrested amid escalating confrontations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized President Donald Trump for exacerbating the situation by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to California. The governor accused Trump of stoking unrest for political gain and announced legal action.
“Donald Trump is putting fuel on this fire,” Newsom wrote. “Commandeering a state’s National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral. California will be taking him to court.”
He urged Angelenos to reject Trump’s provocations:
“Los Angeles: don’t take Trump’s bait. Trump wants chaos and he’s instigated violence. Those who assault law enforcement or cause property damage will risk arrest. Stay peaceful. Stay focused. Don’t give him the excuse he’s looking for.”
Trump, who has intensified his focus on mass deportations, claimed victory for deploying the National Guard, writing on Truth Social, “We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California. If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”
Stephen Miller, a key Trump advisor and deputy White House chief of staff, inflamed tensions further by calling Los Angeles “occupied territory” in a post on X, referring to the numerous foreign — particularly Mexican — flags seen during protests.
The Symbolism of the Mexican Flag
The New York Times highlighted the growing presence of Mexican and other Latin American flags as symbols of protest and unity in Los Angeles. In an article titled “The Mexican Flag Becomes a Potent L.A. Protest Symbol,” the Times reported that the Trump administration has viewed the waving of foreign flags at protests as unpatriotic or even subversive.
“Trump officials have cast flag wavers as insurrectionists and implied that they are not U.S. citizens,” the Times noted. However, for many protesters — including American citizens — waving the Mexican flag expresses pride in their heritage and solidarity with immigrants facing deportation.
“It’s about standing with our families, our neighbors,” one protester told reporters. “The flag is not a threat — it’s our identity.”
Ongoing Tensions
As protests continue and immigration enforcement ramps up, tensions between local officials and the federal government have intensified. The Mexican government remains deeply concerned, continuing diplomatic and legal efforts to protect its citizens.
“We are working closely with both U.S. and Mexican officials to ensure that the rights of our people are respected,” De la Fuente emphasized. “This situation requires calm, coordination, and firm but peaceful action.”
With escalating political rhetoric and legal battles looming, the immigration issue once again underscores the complex and often volatile relationship between federal enforcement policies and immigrant communities in the United States.
– With reports from Reforma and Infobae.
