As Texas reels from one of the deadliest floods in recent memory, help has arrived from an unexpected source: across the border. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has mobilized rescue teams and consular support. She even mobilized humanitarian aid to assist victims of the catastrophe that left at least 104 people dead, including 28 children.

Amid rising anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S., Mexico’s swift and compassionate response is making waves, online and in Washington.

Claudia Sheinbaum Confirms Aid for 30 Mexican Citizens in Texas

In her Monday morning press conference, Claudia Sheinbaum said the Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE) was supporting at least 30 Mexican nationals affected by the floods in Texas. According to Mexico News Daily, “Nine requested support to return to Mexico. 16 requested the replacement of their passports due to destruction. And four did not request assistance because they are in the U.S. with work visas and are being assisted by contracted agencies.”

Sheinbaum expressed condolences for the lives lost, stating, “Our regards, love and strength, our deepest sympathies to all those who died, all the families who lost a family member in these floods.”

Mexico Sends Firefighters to Assist in Search and Rescue Efforts

While local Texas authorities continue searching for those still missing, Mexico sent firefighters and search personnel from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila. As reported by NewsNation Now, the crew arrived in Kerrville on Sunday morning, one of the hardest-hit areas, and began working immediately.

The floodwaters devastated much of the Texas Hill Country after intense rains over the Fourth of July weekend. Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River, reported 27 deaths among campers and staff. Ten campers and one counselor are still unaccounted for.

Claudia Sheinbaum Honors Two Mexican Teens Who Saved 20 Campers

During her remarks, Sheinbaum also celebrated the bravery of two Mexican camp counselors: Silvana Garza Valdez and María Paula Zárate. According to Mexico News Daily, the young women “reacted quickly to the storm that began on July 3, moving their assigned campers to the highest area of their cabin and staying alert through the night until they could evacuate the 20 young girls to safety.”

“It makes me very proud, truthfully,” said Sheinbaum.

Even Viola Davis Is Praising Claudia Sheinbaum

The president’s response caught the attention of Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis. On Instagram, Davis posted a powerful message: “After all the hate. After all the anti-immigrant policies. After all the racism toward people of color. She still helped, showed up, and did the right thing. For a red state, that wouldn’t do the same for her. That’s leadership [and] power. That’s a woman.”

The post quickly went viral, racking up over 200,000 likes and echoing across social media. According to Infobae and SDP Noticias, Davis’s recognition adds international weight to the humanitarian work Mexico is doing amid U.S. political tensions.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s Response Shifts the Global Conversation

According to Merca 20, Mexico’s swift action is now being recognized as more than just humanitarian. It’s being seen as a moment of “brand country” diplomacy. FutureBrand research cited in the report states that 84 percent of consumers view countries that respond to disasters positively, thereby shaping their global reputation and soft power.

This kind of international recognition could matter, especially as Sheinbaum enters her presidency with a focus on global visibility. “Thanks, Mexico. This is what it means to be human,” wrote a Reddit user in one of many viral posts featuring Mexican rescue teams.

Mexican Consulates Are Still Working Around the Clock

As of Monday, Sheinbaum stated that the Consulate of Mexico in San Antonio remains in contact with affected families and plans to visit shelters when the weather permits. According to El Sol de México and López-Dóriga Digital, consular teams have already offered passport replacements, arranged repatriation for some citizens, and coordinated with local shelters.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson thanked Sheinbaum directly. “Our peoples stand united when it matters most, guided by respect, empathy, and a shared commitment to one another,” he wrote on X.

Mexico’s Actions Offer a Different Narrative

Even as President Trump downplays criticism over his administration’s handling of flood response, Mexico’s government continues stepping up. The act of sending trained dogs, firefighters, and rescue workers—some of them originally trained with U.S. support—has not gone unnoticed. “Our people have always been united in the moments that matter most,” Johnson added.

As dozens remain missing and families across Texas mourn their losses, Mexico’s support is serving as a reminder: in moments of crisis, empathy knows no borders.