Mexico govt rejects US' immigrant ad campaign

MEXICO CITY — Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday criticized an anti-immigrant advertising campaign run by the US government and broadcast by privately-owned Mexican television stations.

She said Mexico's government had written to private TV channels urging them to stop showing the message, which has been aired during prime-time programs such as major league football.

At her daily news conference, the president denounced the ad, saying it contains "highly discriminatory content", and "attacks human dignity, and could encourage rejection and violence against migrants".

The ad is part of a multimillion-dollar international campaign announced by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in February in radio, broadcast and digital formats in multiple countries.

"If you are considering entering America illegally, don't even think about it," Noem warns in the message, which in Mexico has Spanish subtitles.

If a migrant commits a crime, "we will hunt you down" because "criminals are not welcome," Noem said.

Sheinbaum's administration has formally requested its withdrawal, she said, adding the Mexican Constitution prohibits "any act or practice of discrimination".

In the meantime, her administration has asked broadcasters to remove the ad.

Xinhua - Agencies