Mexican Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña recently displayed a 1830s map showing California and Texas as Mexican territory during a heated debate over immigration in Los Angeles. The move came as tensions rose following clashes between U.S. federal immigration agents and demonstrators, who waved Mexican flags in protest. Noroña’s remarks have sparked significant debate, with critics like former Trump advisor Stephen Miller suggesting that the protests represent evidence of Los Angeles being occupied territory.
Noroña’s comments were part of a larger discussion on the U.S. border wall and the financial responsibility for its construction. He suggested that, if the border were redrawn to match the territorial lines of the 1830s, Mexico would not only pay for the wall but would take on the full financial burden. He emphasized the need for a historical perspective, drawing attention to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. According to Noroña, the treaty did not respect Mexico’s territorial claims, and the U.S. government’s actions have contributed to the current tensions.
The Mexican leader also noted that the U.S. government has a responsibility to uphold the dignity of migrant populations, which he believes has been neglected in its current immigration policies. Noroña pointed out that the historical presence of Spanish-speaking communities in areas such as Los Angeles means that residents do not necessarily need to speak English. He emphasized that these communities are an intrinsic part of the United States and should be treated with respect.
These statements have drawn attention from various political figures and media outlets. Some have questioned the legality of drawing territorial boundaries based on historical maps, while others have discussed the potential financial implications of such a redrawing. Despite the controversy, Noroña’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over historical territorial claims and current immigration policies.