U.S. Lawmakers Spark Controversy at Mexico City Summit on “Equality”
A weekend gathering in Mexico City, billed as a conference promoting “equality” and “solidarity,” quickly veered into a pointed critique of the United States, leaving attendees and observers debating the motivations and loyalties of some of America’s lawmakers.
Among the most talked-about moments was a statement from Rep. Delia Ramirez, who declared, “I’m a proud Guatemalan before I’m an American,” igniting backlash and raising questions about where certain members of Congress prioritize their allegiances.
The summit, attended by a group of Democratic lawmakers, was organized by Progressive International, a far-left organization that has referred to capitalism as a “virus,” and partnered with Mexico’s ruling party, Morena.
While promotional materials emphasized unity and social justice, the event’s coordinators framed its purpose as a challenge to perceived authoritarian and fascist trends in the Americas. Progressive International’s general coordinator, David Adler, said the summit aimed to “invert” the global balance of power, shifting influence away from Washington toward nations in the Global South.
During her speech, Ramirez — whose parents immigrated from Guatemala and whose husband resides in the U.S. without legal status — criticized the United States as “addicted to war” and motivated by “imperialism, militarization, conquest, control, and competition.” Her comments highlighted her unique position as a member of Congress in a “mixed-status marriage.”
The event also touched on international conflicts, with the Israel-Hamas war dominating much of the discussion. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has a history of criticizing Israel, appeared on a panel called Visions for the World, while Rep.
Rashida Tlaib received a standing ovation for her advocacy on behalf of Palestinians. Colombian Deputy Minister Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir called Tlaib a “symbol of resistance,” praising her efforts in the U.S. to champion the Palestinian cause.
Mexico’s Senate President, Gerardo Fernández Noroña, criticized U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration, comparing detention centers to facilities banned after World War II and accusing Washington of hypocrisy in its treatment of migrants.
U.S. authorities, however, maintain that ICE operations target noncitizens who have committed additional crimes beyond immigration violations.
Conclusion
The Mexico City summit exposed both international and domestic fault lines, highlighting tensions between U.S. policies and the perspectives of some of America’s most outspoken progressive lawmakers.
From challenges to Washington’s global influence to declarations of cultural and national identity, the event offered a rare glimpse into the ideologies shaping certain corners of the Democratic Party. The remarks delivered on foreign soil are likely to spark ongoing debate over patriotism, political identity, and the responsibilities of public officials in the months to come.