In a surprising twist following the violent riots in Los Angeles, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador praised Mexican migrants living in the U.S., calling them “heroes” in a press briefing that left many observers stunned.
His comments come in the wake of several nights of unrest in parts of LA, where tension erupted into violence after a series of clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The riots, which stemmed from ongoing disputes over policing and social inequality, have drawn widespread media attention. What few expected was the Mexican president’s decision to insert migrants into the narrative—especially in such a strikingly positive light.
A Controversial Statement
President López Obrador didn’t mince words. “Our migrants are not the cause of violence,” he said. “They are the heroes of both our countries. They work hard, send remittances home, and deserve dignity, not blame.”
The statement, delivered from Mexico City, appeared to be a direct response to growing U.S. political rhetoric that often connects migrants with instability. López Obrador’s use of the word “heroes” to describe migrants amid violent LA riots raised eyebrows, particularly as critics argued it could be seen as ignoring the context of the unrest.
Migrants at the Center of the Conversation
This isn’t the first time the Mexican president has defended his citizens abroad, but the timing of his praise is what drew global attention. With images of looting and burning buildings still fresh on television screens, many expected a more measured response. Instead, López Obrador doubled down on a narrative that puts migrants on a pedestal—not as a problem, but as a moral backbone.
He emphasized that Mexican migrants in the U.S. contribute billions of dollars in remittances annually and often work in sectors that keep the American economy running. “They build, cook, care, and clean,” he said. “They are essential—not disposable.”
Political and Social Fallout
In the U.S., the reaction was mixed.A few progressive leaders echoed the sentiment, agreeing that migrants are regularly scapegoated during instances of civil unrest. Others accused the president of politicizing tragedy and deflecting attention from the violence itself.
still, the message resonated with many in migrant communities, who frequently sense neglected or blamed in times of country wide disaster. For them, being identified as “heroes” rather than suspects or intruders was a welcome shift in tone.
The Bigger Picture
President López Obrador’s comments may also have taken aback a few, however they replicate a growing worldwide communication around migration, responsibility, and identity. As l. a. selections up the pieces from its state-of-the-art upheaval, the controversy over who receives savings—and who takes blame—continues to conform.
By framing migrants as heroes rather than as liabilities, the Mexican president has not only defended his people but also challenged a narrative that tends to turn migrants into political targets. Whether his words will lead to any policy changes remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: he’s not staying silent.
