Diego Luna, the acclaimed Mexican actor known for his role in the hit series Andor, made history on Monday, June 23, 2025, by becoming the first Mexican to guest-host a major American late-night talk show in English. Taking over for Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live! during Kimmel’s extended summer break, Luna used his platform to deliver a heartfelt and powerful monologue addressing the immigrant experience amid the politically charged atmosphere surrounding immigration policies in the United States.
Opening his debut as host, Luna acknowledged the significance of a Mexican immigrant leading such a prominent show during a time when the country is grappling with what he called the “authoritarian policies of Donald Trump.” With a touch of humor, he quipped, “I come from a galaxy far, far away, called México,” before joking about the possibility of deportation: “English is not my first language. So, I hope you guys will help me if I get… What’s the word? Deported!”
His monologue quickly shifted to a more serious tone as Luna addressed the ongoing immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, actions initiated under directives from former President Trump that sparked widespread protests. “Tonight, I want to address an important issue that is happening here in Los Angeles and all around the United States,” he said. “Many people are feeling persecuted. Far too many people live in fear of taking their kids to school or going to places where they earn an honest living.”
Luna shared his personal connection to Los Angeles, a city he first visited at age 20 after the success of the film Y Tú Mamá También. He recalled spending much of his earnings on laundry and alcohol during his early days in the city, joking that “a lot of my brain cells died in this city.” More importantly, he expressed gratitude for the community he found there, which he described as being largely composed of immigrants and children of immigrants who had left their homelands in search of a better life. “Nobody leaves their land unless their survival depends on it,” Luna emphasized. “A movement of that scale is not natural, not unless something is very, very wrong in the place you are coming from.”
He highlighted the unspoken gratitude immigrants hold for the United States, a country that opened its doors to them, and the cultural richness they bring with them. “They brought their stories, their loyalties, their love, their traditions, always with the openness to adopt new ones, to grow, and to complement each other in this vast cultural exchange,” Luna said. He called Los Angeles a “powerful example” of what can be achieved when empathy is prioritized, noting how people from diverse backgrounds come together to build something remarkable.
Turning his attention to the political climate, Luna expressed bewilderment over how Donald Trump, whose rhetoric he described as hateful, managed to gain such power in a country traditionally known for its welcoming nature. “I have never been able to fully understand how it is that someone like Donald Trump is able to acquire this level of power,” he said. “I always struggle to understand how his hate speech can take root in a country whose nature has always been a welcoming one.”
Luna pointed out that immigrants are not just statistics but neighbors and friends who have consistently contributed to rebuilding the country. He referenced the immigrant workers who risked their lives during the devastating Los Angeles fires earlier in 2025, highlighting their vital role in society. “They build this country, they feed it, they nurture and teach its children, they care for the elderly, they work in construction, hospitality, they run kitchens. They pay a lot of taxes, a lot of them, with their jobs, papers or no papers,” he said, citing a 2022 figure that undocumented immigrants contributed approximately $96.7 billion in taxes.
Calling out the Trump administration’s refusal to acknowledge these contributions, Luna declared, “There are a lot of lies flying around about immigrants, but I’m sure you have more than one story that can attest to the contrary.” He condemned the practice of separating families, calling it “not acceptable, nor is it normal,” and decried the violence and terror immigrants face. “Immigrants need to know that their struggle is yours as well,” he said.
Luna criticized politicians for neglecting this issue, accusing them of benefiting from immigrant labor while refusing to recognize their importance. “That is what needs to change. It’s about acknowledging the work of millions and how unfair it is that they have to live in hiding. The only solution is clear now, and it’s been clear for decades. Give them a path to legal certainty,” he urged.
He concluded his monologue with a call to action, encouraging viewers to contact their congressional representatives and support organizations aiding immigrants, such as Public Counsel, a pro bono law firm, and Kids in Need of Defense, which supports unaccompanied migrant children. “This is what your neighbors really deserve — to be fully welcome in this country where they already belong,” Luna said.
The following night, Luna lightened the mood with a comedic routine poking fun at the backlash he faced. He joked about being on Donald Trump’s radar and joked about having his suitcase packed for a quick escape to Tijuana. He introduced an actress portraying an immigration lawyer who would signal if he went too far with his Trump jokes, testing a few quips that elicited laughter from the audience. “Why does Donald Trump want to screw immigrants? Because the one he married won’t screw him!” Luna quipped, to the disapproval of his on-stage “lawyer.”
This summer’s guest host lineup for Jimmy Kimmel Live! includes a diverse array of entertainers, from actors to musicians, continuing the show’s tradition since 2020 of inviting fresh voices while Kimmel takes extended breaks. Luna’s debut monologue set a strong tone for the season, blending humor with heartfelt advocacy, and signaling that the show’s political edge remains sharp.
Diego Luna’s week-long stint as host not only marked a historic moment for representation but also brought a crucial conversation about immigration and empathy to millions of viewers. His blend of personal narrative, political critique, and calls for justice underscored the human stories behind headlines and statistics, reminding America of the vital role immigrants play in shaping its present and future.
