Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has spoken out strongly against the recent violent arrest of a Mexican migrant worker in the United States, calling it “unjust” and a sign of the ongoing mistreatment of undocumented migrants who have helped build American society.
At her morning press conference on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Sheinbaum criticized the arrest of Narciso Barranco, a gardener from Mexico who has lived in the US for over 30 years. Barranco, who works in Tustin, California, was reportedly tackled and beaten by immigration officers while trimming bushes outside a restaurant.
A widely shared video of the incident showed agents—believed to be from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—wearing masks as they approached Barranco and wrestled him to the ground. The footage sparked public outrage in both the US and Mexico.
“This man is more than just a migrant,” President Sheinbaum said. “He’s a father, a worker, and part of the community. He has lived in the United States for decades. His children serve in the US Marine Corps. That makes him both Mexican and American, even without citizenship.”
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded by saying that Barranco was the aggressor and attacked agents with a weed trimmer. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the agency asked, “Would the media prefer our agents to wait to get injured rather than defend themselves?”
But Sheinbaum rejected this justification, emphasizing that Mexico stands with its people abroad. She announced that the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles had contacted Barranco and would provide legal and emotional support during this time.
In a show of solidarity, Mexican actor Diego Luna also defended the migrant community during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, which Sheinbaum praised during her speech. “It matters when public figures speak out,” she said, “because it reminds the world that migrants are human beings, not threats.”
The president also criticized the US government’s recent immigration raids, especially in cities like Los Angeles, which have seen an increase in protests and community clashes throughout June. These operations have led to fear among undocumented workers, many of whom have lived in the US for decades and contribute to its economy and culture.
Sheinbaum urged the US to adopt a more humane and respectful approach to immigration, especially towards those who fled poverty or violence and now call the US home. “This is not just about laws,” she said. “It’s about dignity.”
The incident comes at a time of growing tension over US immigration policy, and this latest episode could deepen diplomatic strains between Mexico and the United States.