In the midst of a growing wave of protests against the immigration raids by Donald Trump's government, a viral tweet sparked controversy and elicited a high-level diplomatic response from Washington.
Melissa Cornejo, state advisor of the ruling party Morena in Jalisco, shared on X (formerly Twitter) an image of a protest where a man waves a Mexican flag in front of a burnt-out car with the phrase "F**k ICE" painted on the body.
Alongside the image, he wrote: “Long live the race and shove my visa up your ass”, apparently mocking the announcements regarding immigration sanctions against those who incite violence.
The post went viral and quickly began to have consequences. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, publicly responded from his official account with a strong message:
“I cannot process your visa there, but I can inform you that I personally gave the order to cancel it after seeing this vulgar post.”
Landau, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico (from August 12, 2019, to January 20, 2021), explained that after investigating, he was informed that the author did not even possess a valid visa to cancel. "How easy it is to speak of your disdain for 'my visa' when you don't have one.", he added. He concluded with a clear warning:
"Those who glorify violence and challenge legitimate authorities and public order... are in no way welcome in our country."
The young woman deleted the original tweet, but the reply from the high-ranking official was recorded and has been widely discussed on social media.
Since last Friday, ICE has conducted mass raids in Los Angeles, which triggered protests in at least ten cities across the United States, including New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
The demonstrations have been diverse: from peaceful gatherings in Foley Square to clashes with the police, mass arrests, and the use of tear gas in places like San Antonio and Austin, Texas. In several cities, protesters carried signs in Spanish with phrases like "The people say Get Out ICE!" or "ICE out of New York."
In response, President Trump ordered the National Guard to be deployed in some areas, a measure that has been heavily criticized by activists and local officials. Despite the public discontent, Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, reaffirmed the policy of raids by stating, “ICE will continue to enforce the law.”
A warning that resonates throughout Latin America
Landau's message goes beyond an individual case. It serves as a direct reminder of the power that U.S. immigration authorities have to bar the entry of anyone they consider a threat to public order or who incites violence, even in the digital realm.
In a context where millions of Latin Americans, including Cubans, are trying to obtain a visa to enter the U.S., the warning becomes even more significant. Social media, which for many serves as a space for venting or satire, can have real consequences if the content crosses certain lines.
For Cuban migrants, who often face complex and prolonged immigration processes, incidents like these reinforce the need to navigate the digital landscape with caution, especially if they plan to travel to U.S. territory.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Immigration Policy and Recent Protests
Why is the U.S. government revoking visas?
The United States government is revoking visas as part of a stricter control over visa holders to ensure compliance with all immigration laws and regulations. Visas can be revoked for security reasons, criminal records, medical issues, or if there is suspicion of immigration violations. This approach reflects a tightening of immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump.
What consequences do social media posts have on U.S. immigration policy?
Social media postings can have serious consequences for those seeking to enter or remain in the U.S. The Department of State has warned that glorifying violence or challenging legitimate authorities can lead to visa revocation or being deemed unwelcome in the country. Social media is monitored, and comments that incite violence can impact immigration status.
What is the U.S. government doing in response to the protests against ICE raids?
The United States government has responded to the protests against ICE raids with a military deployment, including the National Guard, to control the demonstrations. The Trump administration defends the raids as necessary measures to enforce the law and argues that violent protests will not be tolerated. However, these actions have been criticized by activists and some local officials who view them as disproportionate.
What measures are being taken in Florida regarding illegal immigration?
In Florida, workplace raids have intensified as part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of undocumented immigrants. These actions have sparked panic and protests, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed that the National Guard could act as a judicial authority in deportation processes, which has stirred considerable debate on immigration policy in the state.
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