In January 2025, a video began circulating on social media platforms that purportedly showed Mexican military helicopters arriving in Los Angeles. The footage quickly garnered attention, with various users expressing alarm and curiosity about the implications of such a military presence in a major U.S. city. This claim fueled discussions about border security, military operations, and international relations between the United States and Mexico, prompting a wave of speculation and concern among viewers. Given the sensitive nature of military movements and their potential impact on public perception, the need for a thorough fact-check became apparent.
Claim
The central claim claim of the story is that the video accurately depicts Mexican helicopters landing in Los Angeles. This assertion was presented as factual by various social media accounts and news outlets, leading many to believe that there was an unprecedented military operation occurring in the heart of one of America’s largest cities. The claim suggested not only a significant military maneuver but also raised questions about the reasons behind such an operation and its implications for U.S.-Mexico relations.
Fact
Upon investigation, it is revealed that the video in question does not show Mexican helicopters arriving in Los Angeles. Instead, it was recorded in September 2018 and is entirely unrelated to the current situation involving wildfires in California. The footage was mischaracterized and repurposed to suggest a connection to the recent events. Furthermore, the actual Mexican firefighters who arrived in California on January 11, 2025, did so by plane, not helicopter.
The top three sources confirming this fact include:
- Reuters
- PolitiFact
- Newsweek
Conclusion
The fact check is classified as False Content, as the original claim regarding Mexican helicopters arriving in Los Angeles is entirely false and misleading. This incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially concerning sensitive topics such as military operations and natural disaster responses. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary alarm and misunderstanding among the public, highlighting the need for responsible media engagement.
