Sheinbaum criticizes US immigration ads, calling them discriminatory and harmful to migrants. Sheinbaum’s government is now moving to ban these ads from airing within Mexico.
What the Ad Campaign Says
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appears in the ads, which caution migrants against entering the country illegally. Noem states, “If you are a criminal alien considering entering America illegally, don’t even think about it,” in a noteworthy 30-second commercial.
The commercials push a harsh approach on immigration, warning of serious penalties, including fines and incarceration for unlawful immigrants. However, Noem’s claims about migrant criminality have faced scrutiny, with many critics pointing out that several deportees had no criminal records.
Mexico’s Reaction: An Urgent Appeal
Sheinbaum has responded by condemning the advertisements as “discriminatory propaganda.” In order to stop foreign governments from disseminating political or ideological information that is deemed damaging in Mexico, her administration plans to present a legislative proposal.
Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico would continue to welcome foreign ads promoting culture and tourism but would draw the line at what she considered political propaganda.
“We do not agree with the discriminatory propaganda against the migrant population,” Sheinbaum said during a press conference on April 23, 2025.
Making Laws and Being Independent
Sheinbaum has sparked a debate over Mexican sovereignty by arguing that the commercials violate Mexico’s right to maintain its own media landscape free from external political meddling. In fact, the Mexican Senate is already moving quickly to enact Sheinbaum’s proposed amendment to restore a provision of Mexico’s telecom law that forbids foreign political advocacy.
Concerns Over Discrimination
Mexico’s National Council to Prevent Discrimination also weighed in, urging broadcasters to halt airing the ads, stating that the message could incite rejection or violence against migrants.
DHS Response and Effectiveness
Despite the backlash, the US Department of Homeland Security maintains that the campaign has been successful, claiming that border crossings are at historic lows. “The data shows the world is hearing our message,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Source: CNN