MEXICO CITY

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that at least 222 Mexican nationals have been arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during recent raids and protests in Los Angeles, California.

Last week, the Mexican government said that 66 Mexican immigrants had been detained by ICE officers as President Donald Trump’s controversial mass incarceration program against immigrants unfolds throughout the country.

During her morning briefing, President Sheinbaum said that 55 people were arrested yesterday, amounting to “at least” 222 arrests of Mexican nationals living in the U.S.

The president said her administration is working overtime with a signature program that seeks to assist deported Mexicans and Mexican immigrants in the US.

"We are strengthening the consulates and consular support for all individuals who are detained, as well as the Mexico Embraces You program, which is in place for all those arriving in Mexico who may be able to find employment. This includes support through the Migrant Card, the Paisano support program, and all available social programs, including enrollment in the Mexican Social Security Institute," she said.

Trump has made deporting undocumented immigrants a major target of his administration, after pledging at campaign rallies to go after criminals and gang members. He has also threatened Mexico with tariffs and trade sanctions, in aggressive moves not seen under previous presidents.

Since Trump took office, the White House has broadened its anti-immigration program to law-abiding and even documented immigrants, drawing criticism from the Mexican government and many US citizens for targeting law-abiding, hard-working members of the community, many who have been in the US for years.

Mexico has vowed to protect the human rights of Mexican nationals living abroad and called for the U.S. to reform its immigration policy to shelter law-abiding immigrants.