The complicated relationship between Mexicans and Mexico

By

-

September 16, 2025

Mexican flag — Mexicans love their country and its symbols, but sometimes have some conflicting feelings on the nation at large. (Unsplash/Jorge Aguilar)

On Mexico’s Independence Day, I wanted to reflect on something that has always fascinated me: the complicated relationship Mexicans have with Mexico. While most of us — if not all of us — feel a deep sense of pride in being Mexican, we can’t help but also feel disappointed about our country.

This dual feeling generally plays out in our daily lives. Yet, it is never more visible than on Independence Day.

Independence Day in Mexico City — Mexico City residents gather for the traditional Independence Day “grito.” (Cuartoscuro)

On this day, we go big on the celebrations, filling up public plazas. We drink tequila, sing along with mariachi groups and gather with friends and family to cry “¡Viva México!” with all our hearts.

But in between the passionate cries and intense displays of love for our country, one can often hear people saying, “It’s a shame we have so many issues.” Or, “It’s a shame that we have accomplished so little.” Or, “It’s a shame there’s an insecurity crisis,” and more from this endless list of collective frustrations.

This paradox is not new. It is one I grew up seeing in my parents, as they did in theirs, passing it down like an inheritance to younger generations. It’s intense love and pain, along with intense pride and disappointment – all at the same time.

While I write from personal experience, this paradox is anything but individual. It’s woven into Mexican society regardless of where we live. A quick scroll through X (formerly Twitter) will reveal thousands of posts that perfectly capture the dual sentiment. Memes that mix pride with sarcasm, complaints about the political system and comments revealing nostalgia and hope.

It doesn’t matter if you live in Mexico City, in a small town or abroad (like me) – we all share the duality. It’s a sentiment you’ll find at a family dinner table, social events and even football stadiums. It is everywhere.

What fuels the paradox? I have some ideas.

Cultural nationalism

Viva Mexico banner — Mexican children are instilled with a sense of patriotism and nationalism from a young age. (Unsplash/Juan Manuel Aguilar)

From a very young age, children in Mexico are instilled with a profound sense of admiration and respect for our national symbols, our national heroes and our heritage and traditions. This is usually done through civic and cultural events that highlight what it means to be Mexican.

Every Monday, for instance, schools will have a ceremony dubbed “honores a la bandera” in which all students and staff gather in the central yard to pay tribute to the flag as they sing the national anthem. I’ve discovered this practice is not common abroad, however beneficial it is to promote love for a country — although the United States is a country that does share this practice.

Beyond the school environment, families celebrate national holidays by incorporating elements of our living heritage, showing children the profound impact our traditions still have on our daily lives. From piñatas at birthday parties to building altares de muertos on Day of the Dead, we are taught that Mexican folklore is something to be proud of and meant to be displayed at every given opportunity.

All these practices help us Mexicans not only to love our culture and our heritage, but feel proud of it. Yet, this deep love clashes with the deep distrust many Mexicans feel towards our government.

Distrust in our institutions

Mexicans love Mexico, but not their government. Mexicans love their people, but not their politicians.

Separating one feeling from the other is hard, thus fueling the Mexican paradox.

Mexican protest rally — Mexicans’ love of country doesn’t mean they always trust their politicians. (Unsplash/Diego Lozano)

Most of the time, Mexicans complain about problems emanating from the government: corruption, inefficient bureaucracy, seemingly endless violence, lack of equitable access to justice, poor public services and infrastructure. The list is long.

Beyond these issues, there’s a widespread perception that institutions do not represent Mexicans but rather the interests of those in power. This feeling of abandonment causes many of us to view politics with cynicism and a lack of trust. For many of us, it’s hard to believe that better times lie ahead, and we blame our politicians for the direction our country is headed.

Joseph de Maistre said that “every country has the government it deserves.” So, I wonder – what would happen if an ordinary citizen were given, overnight, a public office? Would he act as corruptly as the politicians we criticize, or would he rise to the challenge and let honesty and justice lead his decisions?

Perhaps that’s why the line is blurry between our disappointment with the government and love for our people. Because, after all, our politicians were once ordinary people.

Comedy as a shield

Amidst these complex feelings, we don’t lose hope. On the contrary, we have developed an enormous capacity for resilience in our everyday lives. This resilience is usually mixed with humor, serving as a coping mechanism to endure everyday challenges.

Again, a quick scroll on social media will reveal hundreds of humorous memes addressing every kind of complaint.

Mexican woman wearing sombrero — Mexicans consistently rank among the happiest people in the world. (Unsplash/Kevin Grieve)

Finding laughter in our own adversities is our superpower, probably reflecting why Mexicans consistently rank among the 10 happiest countries in the world.

For example, this meme was trying to normalize flooded streets when it rains.

Imagínate vivir en Suiza y perderte esto… 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/n1R3iMunhP

— David Medrano Mora (@deividmedrano) July 16, 2021

This one address the significant operational and structural problems of the Maya Train, which has derailed several times since it opened in late 2023.

Internet nunca olvida… pic.twitter.com/5rI0Pvf0mi

— Chumel Torres (@ChumelTorres) August 20, 2025

Humor is not only normalized but encouraged even by political figures who are, at times, victims of it.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who created unforgettable memes for their attention, talent, irreverence and grace,” political analyst Dennise Dresser said last year, after memes of herself went viral on social media. “I will incorporate them into the iconography of this six-year term. They made me laugh, and at myself too. I hope they continue to share more through this medium [social media].”

And so, from the average citizen to the most intellectual character, we all love Mexico despite feeling deeply frustrated at the same time. We celebrate its culture, laugh at its problems and continue to believe that the best is yet to come. Because if there is one thing that defines us Mexicans, it’s the intense love and unshakable hope that we feel for our country.

Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.

I entered the Oceanman in Cozumel with less than a month to train and here’s what happened

By

Bel Woodhouse

-

September 16, 2025

1

Oceanman in Cozumel is like Ironman, but with only the swimming part. Not the running or cycling. (Bel Woodhouse)

Being a curious cat, when someone told me of an ocean swimmers’ beach, I rambled over to check it out. Over the years, I must have walked past this place hundreds of times. But I thought it was a swim club you had to join.

But it’s not. It’s open to all, and free.

Bel on the swimming beach in Cozumel — Playa Mantarrayas, the swimmers’ beach in Cozumel, has a supportive community. (Bel Woodhouse)

People of all ages, shapes and sizes for a supportive swim community. One group of ladies was delightful, all giggles as they looked up onto the dock where Victor, the local swim coach, was smiling down at them. Then they’d take off in a flurry of arms and legs, as people learning to swim often do.

So, after a little “you need to get your body moving” chat with myself, I decided to take up swimming. Why not? The ocean’s safe, calm and warm like an embrace here on Cozumel.

The next day, my smiling face was amongst those headed in for a morning swim.

It was glorious. Tropical fish in every color of the rainbow. A little spotted eel poking his nose in crevices looking for breakfast. The deep purple swaying sea fans were a delight. A couple of angelfish elegantly circled each other in a beautiful dance. While the most beautiful yellow stingrays’ splotchy camouflage fascinated me so much, I stopped swimming to float and admire it.

I was hooked.

Let’s join Oceanman!

Oceanman? “What’s that?” I asked when a lady mentioned it after my second swim. She explained that it’s like Ironman, but just the swimming part. No pesky running or cycling, which sounded great to me. As a big-breasted woman, running is not my friend. More of a boob rattling nemesis.

Rushing home, I Googled Oceanman to find out more. Delightedly discovering swims all around the world. Okay, you may think I’m crazy. But crazy in a good way, because I thought, “I’ll have a crack at that.”

Now, before you get too excited and think I’m amazing, or a mermaid, I’ll be honest. The big 10-kilometer and 5 km swims were closed for registration. Having long ago been filled. So I signed up for the only one open, the 1.5 km sprint. Which I think is a perfect beginner’s swim.

After all, I don’t know anyone who could go from nothing to swimming five or ten kilometers in less than a month. Reach for the stars, I say. But also be realistic.

Plus, the amazing swimmers at Playa Mantarrayas, our swimmer’s beach, were so supportive, I felt like I could do anything! A huge shout-out to Victor and everyone there, you’re wonderful! That’s why it’s the go-to place to train for Ironman, Oceanman, MayanMan and all other athletic events. Or, just swim for leisure.

Squeal, it’s race day!

My fitness had skyrocketed enough to be able to swim the entire distance in a few weeks. Being my first event, I was thankful to have a veteran by my side. My friend Robyn, who is 73 and still doing marathons, is my hero. She’s a fun-loving South African who’s pink fringe matches her dog’s pink-tipped tail!

Picking me up before dawn, we headed south to the event. I may turn out the be the turtle of the group, but I don’t care. After all, this wouldn’t be possible back home, where I used to live in Cairns. We’ve got stingers, sharks, crocodiles and sea snakes to deal with. But not here on Cozumel. The water is warm and safe, like a giant hug from the sea gods.

After Oceanman race day in Cozumel — Ready for race day in Cozumel! (Bel Woodhouse)

So there I was, standing in a sea of lime green swim caps. The countdown clock’s huge red numbers stood over the gateway into the ocean. Then the blaring of an air horn, and we were off.

Kicks to the face

The frenzy of arms and legs churning the water as women tried to get ahead was amazing. I’ll admit I could’ve done without the few kicks to the face, but that was expected. It all settled down once we got out past the first buoy.

Then I separated from the pack and was free to just glide along. It was freeing. Peacefully gliding through some of the most beautiful water in the world. And I should know, I’m ex-Navy and have sailed most of the seven seas. The water in the Riviera Maya is exquisite.

People in kayaks cheered us on and kept us on route until I crossed the finish line. Fully expecting to come in the last dregs of swimmers, I was delighted not to. Completing it in two-thirds of the allocated time was weirdly validating.

Zero to hero: Would I do it again?

Next year, I’d like to try the 5-kilometer swim. I think I’ll need that long to train for it. And I realise my goal was more of an excited zero-to-hero swim challenge. Which isn’t for everyone, no matter how terribly exciting I found it.

Lastly, I do want to say, living here opens up so many doors. As I said, the warmth and support of my local swimmers’ community was inspiring. They made me feel invincible. Like I could do anything. All smiles and warm encouragement, it is a testament to the beauty of the Mexican culture.

Mexico Correspondent for International Living, Bel is an experienced writer, author, photographer and videographer with 500+ articles published both in print and across digital platforms. Living in the Mexican Caribbean for over 7 years now, she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.

Threats of violence cancel ‘Grito’ celebrations in Sinaloa and Michoacán

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

1

Culiacan — Culiacán, the capital city of the state of Sinaloa, which has been under such intense cartel violence that citizens recently marched en masse for peace, will miss out on the "Grito" for the second straight year. (José Betanzos Zárate/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico is gearing up for its traditional two-day celebration of Independence Day, in which this year, a woman president will deliver the traditional “Grito” in the capital for the first time ever.

However, while President Claudia Sheinbaum emulates Padre Miguel Hidalgo’s 1810 Cry for Independence on Monday night and presides over Tuesday’s military parade in the capital, several Mexican cities have decided to cancel local ceremonies.

memorial in Iztapalapa — Iztapalapa residents and others continue to bring flowers and candles to an impromptu memorial for the victims of last week’s tragic gas explosion. With dozens of the injured still hospitalized, Iztapalapa authorities decided to cancel the Grito celebrations out of respect. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

For the second consecutive year, cartel violence has forced the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations in Sinaloa’s state capital.

On Sunday, Governor Rubén Rocha called off all public festivities — concerts, fireworks displays, the “Grito” — planned for Monday and Tuesday. In a social media post, Rocha did not specify the reasons for canceling the events, only saying that he was “exercising the responsibility [of his office] of safeguarding the security and well-being of the population.”

The announcement comes a week after residents of Culiacán, the state capital, staged a massive march calling for peace amid an unrelenting wave of increased cartel violence that has plagued the state since Sept. 9, 2024. The outbreak of the cartel fighting prompted Rocha to cancel last year’s celebrations.

Rocha said that, like last year, his office would instead observe Mexico’s Independence Day by hosting a simple private ceremony to which leaders of the state and local congresses and representatives of the armed forces would be invited.

The mayor of Iztapalapa, Mexico City’s sprawling eastern borough of more than 1.8 million residents, also canceled local Independence Day festivities in the aftermath of the gas tanker explosion that has claimed the lives of 14 people.

With 40 victims still hospitalized, Mayor Aleida Álvarez announced that the traditional celebrations would be replaced with “a respectful and reserved ceremony” during which protocol would be solemnly observed.

In the western state of Michoacán, three municipalities called off their celebrations citing security concerns.

Alfonso Marínez, alcalde Morelia — Michoacán state capital Morelia, under Mayor Alfonso Martínez, has not canceled Independence Day celebrations but is on high alert after a threat from a self-proclaimed Indigenous activist. (@AlfonsoMtz_Mx/X)

Officials in Zinepécuaro canceled festivities after Saturday’s incident during which members of organized crime blockaded highways and set fire to vehicles to prevent the authorities from carrying out a drug bust.

The mayor of Periban called off the local Grito and parade after a criminal gang released a video in which they threatened to “stir things up.”

Residents of Uruapan will also be deprived of holiday celebrations after local officials canceled the festivities in response to Sunday’s attack on police headquarters that left one officer dead.

The Michoacán state capital of Morelia is also on high alert after a video threat made by a masked man calling himself “Comandante Arango,” who claimed to be a leader of the “Purépecha Army.”

Local officials increased security measures, including the institution of a “No-fly Zone” for drones, declaring that they are taking the threat seriously. On Sept. 15, 2008, eight people were killed and dozens were injured when two grenades were thrown into a crowd during Morelia’s Independence Day festivities.

On Friday, President Sheinbaum reiterated a warning issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, cautioning Mexican nationals in the U.S. to be careful when celebrating Independence Day due to the risk of immigration raids.

Earlier this month, organizers of “El Grito Chicago” canceled the city’s two-day Independence Day festival, citing fears of heightened immigration enforcement.

With reports from Milenio, Aristegui Noticias and El Sol de Morelia

Sinkhole swallows Jarritos delivery truck in Mexico City

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

1

Jarritos truck sticks out from a sinkhole on a street in Mexico City — A 20-hour rescue effort utilizing a 20-tonne crane, a 40-tonne crane and a backhoe finally resulted in the removal of the Jarritos truck on Sunday. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

A sinkhole that swallowed a delivery truck over the weekend has continued to grow, prompting local Mexico City authorities to begin relocating families in nearby houses.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when the back wheels of a Jarritos soft drink truck got stuck in a large pothole on a residential street in the borough of Iztapalapa. The weight of the truck soon caused the pothole to widen and police quickly cordoned off the street.

While officials waited for a tow truck to arrive, the pothole began to collapse and the back end of the truck sank deeper. Then, the pit suddenly widened and the truck nearly disappeared down the hole, only the front end sticking out of the 8-meter deep crater.

A 20-hour rescue effort utilizing a 20-tonne crane, a 40-tonne crane and a backhoe finally resulted in the removal of the Jarritos truck on Sunday. An inspection then revealed that a 2.44-meter concrete water collector under the street had collapsed, either causing the original sinkhole or contributing to its rapid expansion.

While authorities addressed the situation on Monday, it was discovered that overnight rains were causing the sinkhole — initially measured at 8 meters deep, 12 meters long and 7 meters wide — to expand.

As a result, at least eight families living near the sinkhole have been asked to leave the immediate vicinity while authorities sought to resolve the widening crisis.

The mayor’s office said 20 people and three pets were being housed at a temporary shelter while the remaining families opted to move in with relatives.

The sinkhole incident occurred three days after a gas tanker explosion in another Iztapalapa neighborhood killed 14 people.

There was considerable speculation following the accident that a series of potholes caused the tanker to tip over before it exploded, with one newspaper citing an alleged eyewitness.

Mexico City investigators quickly denied the suggestions that potholes contributed to the tragedy, but TV news anchor Manuel López San Martín took to his radio show to report that local authorities repaved the road just hours after the accident. According to Bertha Alcalde Luján, attorney general of Mexico City, the city cleared the affected area of the road but “there was no subsequent paving of this part of the route.”

With reports from El Financiero, El Universal, Uno TV, Excelsior and N+

Guillermo del Toro auctioning off his gothic set items after Venice Film Festival triumph

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

1

Del Toro with weapon prop — The auction of memorabilia from Del Toro's movies will include Ron Perlman’s hero jacket and the oversized shotgun “Big Baby” from “Hellboy." (Gazette_Inter/X)

Guillermo del Toro, the three-time Oscar-winning director celebrated for his gothic imagination, will be parting with pieces of his famed “Bleak House” collection in a Heritage Auctions sale next week.

Fresh off acclaim for his new film “Frankenstein” at the Venice and Toronto film festivals, the 60-year-old native of Guadalajara said the decision came after wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year threatened to destroy the more than 5,000 items stored in two of his homes.

With only hours to act as the flames approached, he reportedly was able to remove about 120 pieces stored in his two adjacent Santa Monica homes — which serve as an archive and workspace he calls Bleak House I and II.

Fortunately, the fire never reached those houses.

“Look, this is in reaction to the fires,” Del Toro said of the auction. “This is in reaction to loving this [collection],.

Items in the first part of the auction currently up for bid will be sold on Sept. 26. The second and third parts are slated for next year.

Guillermo del Toro has won Academy Awards for best director and best picture for “The Shape of Water” (2017) and best animated feature for “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (2022).

His films have won eight Oscars, including three for his 2016 breakout hit “Pan’s Labyrinth,” plus 14 Ariel Awards, Mexico’s top film honors, including nine for his 1992 debut feature “Cronos.”

Guillermo del Toro puts prized Bleak House memorabilia up for auction after LA fires | AP interview

Watch this video on YouTube

Along the way, the director has accumulated what he calls a “library of images, sounds and ideas.”

His collection of 10,000 items amassed over decades and scattered at his homes in the Los Angeles area and Toronto (there is no record of him owning a current home in Mexico) contains props, sketches, paintings, comics and rare artifacts.

It was large enough to inspire a major 2017 exhibition at the L.A. County Museum of Art titled “Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters,” and is often called a mirror of his obsessions with monsters, myths and horror.

Highlights among the first 132 items include two original plates from Bernie Wrightson’s acclaimed 1983 illustrated edition of “Frankenstein,” carrying starting bids of US $200,000 and $100,000.

Del Toro called parting with them “pretty brutal.”

Other offerings include Ron Perlman’s hero jacket and the oversized shotgun “Big Baby” from “Hellboy,” concept art for “Pan’s Labyrinth,” a rough-draft sculpture of the Amphibian Man from “The Shape of Water” and a protective suit worn by giant-robot drivers in “Pacific Rim.”

Comic art by Mike Mignola, Richard Corben, Jack Kirby and H.R. Giger will also be up for bid, alongside rare animation drawings and early Disney sketches.

Del Toro compared caring for the collection to tending “a bus with 160 kids that are very unruly.”

Letting go, he said, is both estate planning and a way to ensure history survives disasters.

“As collectors, you are basically keeping pieces of culture for generations to come. They’re not yours,” he said.

At the Venice Film Festival, which concluded last week, “Frankenstein” was up for the Golden Lion (top prize), but settled for the unaffiliated Fanheart 3 Award for best film.

At the Toronto International Film Festival that closed Sunday, “Frankenstein” was first runner-up for the prestigious People’s Choice Award.

The gothically tragic 2-hour, 29-minute film is set to open at select U.S. theaters on Oct. 17, with limited theatrical release in Mexico starting Oct. 23. It will hit Netflix on Nov. 7.

With reports from Euronews, Associated Press, Artnet and Reuters

Highway accident west of Mérida kills 16, injures 2

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

1

crash in Yucatán — According to preliminary investigations, the passenger van, traveling at excessive speed, collided with a private vehicle and consequently veered into the path of the beer truck, which was heading to Mérida. (@PeriodistasU/X)

A highway accident in the state of Yucatán on Saturday claimed the lives of 16 people, authorities said.

A freight truck carrying beer, a passenger transport van and a private vehicle were involved in the crash on the Mérida–Campeche federal highway near the town of Kopomá, Yucatán.

The Yucatán Security Ministry (SSP) initially said that 15 people died at the scene of the crash. However, the death toll increased to 16 after the burned remains of another victim were found amid the wreckage of the passenger van, which had burst into flames.

The SSP said on Saturday that the driver of the freight truck was among those who were killed. Among the other victims were construction workers from Calkiní, a town in the state of Campeche, and the driver of the van they were traveling in. Five of the victims were women.

The SSP said that fire trucks and ambulances responded to the accident. Two people injured in the crash, both occupants of the private vehicle, received treatment at the scene and were subsequently transferred to the hospital.

According to preliminary investigations, the passenger van, traveling at excessive speed, collided with a private vehicle and consequently veered into the path of the beer truck, which was heading to Mérida. The van and the private vehicle, a Ford Ikon, were heading toward the state of Campeche.

Yucatán Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena and Campeche Governor Layda Sansores conveyed their condolences to the families of the victims.

In a social media post on Sunday, Díaz Mena said that he had accompanied relatives of the victims to Medical Forensic Service (SEMEFO) facilities in Yucatán.

“I expressed our solidarity and support to them for the identification and transfer of their loved ones to their communities. Via a telephone call, the Governor Layda Sansores, also offered her condolences and support from Campeche,” he wrote.

With reports from EFE, La Jornada, Milenio and El Universal

American woman arrested for smuggling ammunition into Mexico

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

7

ammuniton evidence — The National Guard confiscated 600 rounds of live ammunition and 170 magazines hidden in her socks and pillows as she crossed the border on a tourist bus. (@GN_MEXICO_/X)

An American woman was arrested Friday while allegedly attempting to smuggle 600 live rounds of ammunition and 170 magazines for loading weapons, all hidden in pillows and socks.

Mexico’s National Guard (GN) reported that the unidentified woman was crossing the border in a tourist bus on the Cordova-Americas International Bridge, which connects El Paso, Texas, to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.

border bridge Cordova -Las Americas — The Cordova-Americas Bridge connecting Texas and the state of Chihuahua has been the site of two recent arrests of Americans attempting to smuggle military equipment into Mexico. (@CANAL44TV/X)

Although the public transit bus received approval to bypass customs clearance while crossing, her luggage was still subject to X-ray screening, revealing “military equipment.”

According to authorities, the woman was informed of her rights while in detention and her arrest was recorded in the National Registry of Arrest. She and the military equipment were handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for investigation and to determine her legal status.

In a recent similar incident, customs officers in Chihuahua arrested a U.S. citizen who attempted to smuggle an arsenal into Mexico at the same international crossing.

According to the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), authorities seized four long weapons, four short weapons, 11 magazines, 404 cartridges, a silencer and a vehicle.

These aren’t the first cases of Americans being arrested at the border with military items. In February, a U.S. citizen allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel was arrested by Mexican officials while attempting to smuggle an arsenal into Mexico. According to the SSPC, Scott Harvey “N,” attempted to enter the country via the “El Chaparral” international bridge in Tijuana, Baja California.

In a statement, the SSPC said that “the detainee and the seized items belong to the ‘Los Rusos’ faction of the ‘Cártel del Pacífico’ criminal organization.”

In an effort to strengthen security at the border and stop the flow of firearms into the country, Mexico and the U.S. have entered into a new security cooperation agreement.

In his visit to Mexico on Sept. 3, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that both countries are “amplifying” their security cooperation as they seek to combat organized crime groups on both sides of the border.

With reports from 24 horas and El Heraldo de Chihuahua

Veracruz residents protest port expansion threatening Gulf’s coral reefs

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

1

gulf of mexico protest against Veracruz port construction — The Veracruz Reef System (Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano) is the largest coral reef system in the Gulf of Mexico. (Victoria Razo/Cuartoscuro)

Dozens of people gathered Sunday at the boardwalk in Veracruz to protest against the expansion of the local port and raise awareness about the protection of the Gulf of Mexico’s coral reefs.

The group of protesters, which included activists, environmentalists, jaraneros musicians, son jarocho dancers and local residents, objects to the construction of a breakwater of more than 3,000 meters on the La Gallega reef, which is part of the Veracruz Reef System.

Ahead of the protest, Ana León Malpica, student, activist and creator of the blog Hablemos de Biología (Let’s Talk about Biology), told local media that one of the objectives of the protest is to demand a comprehensive environmental impact study as ordered by Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) in 2022.

“The scientific community is truly outraged because they’re going to build on the La Gallega reef, which was excluded from the [boundaries] of the protected area by private interests, precisely to do this [breakwater]. They removed these reefs with the excuse that there was no longer any salvation for them,” León said. She added that the protest also seeks to increase visibility of Veracruz’s reefs, as many people aren’t aware that there are reefs in the area.

The SCJN’s ruling in 2022 recognized that the environmental impact statements for the project were fragmented, lacking a “comprehensive” view of the cumulative consequences for reefs and wetlands of this type of construction project. It thus ordered the cancellation of the original environmental permits and ruled that the authority responsible for the work had to carry out a new unified environmental impact study.

Although a new environmental impact study was submitted to the authorities in December 2022, lawyers interviewed by Mongabay in May assert that it does not address the SCJN’s observations.

According to scientists, port expansion activities have altered sedimentation and breeding patterns in the affected reef area. (Victoria Razo/Cuartoscuro)

According to the Court, “in order for the environmental assessment to be truly comprehensive, all cumulative, synergic or residual impacts must be considered,” Jorge Lu Palencia told Mongabay. Lu Palencia asserts this was not done and that the 45 reefs originally excluded from the assessment area have not been reintegrated or evaluated in the new impact study.

The Veracruz Reef System (Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano) is the largest coral reef system in the Gulf of Mexico. According to scientists, port expansion activities have altered sedimentation and breeding patterns at the partially destroyed Punta Brava and Punta Gorda reefs. There are also elevated organic matter levels in the La Blanquilla reef linked to construction sediment disturbance and wastewater discharge in the area.

Construction on the project, which will extend through December 2028, will cost over 20 billion pesos (US $1 billion) and includes complementary infrastructure in electricity, port security and customs.

With reports from Diario de Xalapa and Mongabay

Attention, foreigners: Your visa will cost double in 2026

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

20

dollars in cash — The price of a four-year temporary residency visa will increase from 11,984 pesos (US $650) to 23,968 pesos ($1,300). (Unsplash)

Mexico’s 2026 national budget will include a 100% increase in the fees charged for temporary and permanent residency visas, as the government looks to counteract the impact of digital nomadism in the country.

The cost of immigration permits for migrants — regardless of vocation — will double next year, according to the 2026 federal budget, which was submitted to Congress on Sept. 8. If the budget is approved, the federal fiscal law will be amended to reflect this price increase.

“The proposed increase seeks to guarantee a fair and proportional contribution, based on the intensive use of infrastructure and specialized human resources,” the proposal states.

The proposal will see a 100% increase in the cost of one-year temporary permits from 5,328 pesos (US $290) in 2025 to 10,656 pesos ($580) in 2026.

Two-, three- and four-year temporary permits will increase from 7,984 pesos ($435), 10,112 pesos ($550) and 11,984 pesos ($650) to 15,968 pesos ($870); 20,224 pesos ($1,100); and 23,968 pesos ($1,300), respectively.

Meanwhile, the price of permanent residency permits will increase from 6,494 pesos ($355) in 2025 to 12,988 pesos ($705) in 2026.

“In Mexico, the arrival of a foreign population has brought on changes and affected sectors such as housing, gastronomy, local commerce and recreational and collaborative spaces,” Mexico’s Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) stated in its initiative briefing. “While boosting consumption and productive activity, [this] requires the design of equitable, safe, orderly and correct migration public policies.”

How I got residency in Mexico on an expired tourist visa

The Mexican Treasury “dedicated a very long discussion to the operational aspect of these types of [economic] contributions,” Finance Minister Édgar Amador said at a press conference at the National Palace on Sept. 8, in reference to the price increase.

“There is a very detailed discussion there with the National Migration Institute (INM), for example, on the issue of digital nomads,” said Amador.

According to the proposal, a 50% discount may be considered for residency applicants under certain conditions, in accordance with Migration Law Regulations.

With reports from Reporte Indigo and Reforma

Former Tabasco security minister arrested in Paraguay on organized crime charges

By

MND Staff

-

September 15, 2025

3

Hernán Bermúdez detained in Asunción, Paraguay — The Public Ministry of Paraguay said that it received an extradition request from Mexico for Bermúdez. (SSPC/Cuartoscuro)

Hernán Bermúdez Requena, a former security minister in the state of Tabasco who is accused of heading up a crime organization, was arrested in Paraguay on Friday, Mexican and Paraguayan authorities said.

The Public Ministry of Paraguay said in a statement that it was involved in an “international cooperation procedure” that resulted in the arrest of Bermúdez, alleged leader of La Barredora, a crime group linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

It noted that the arrest — which was filmed — occurred for “extradition purposes.”

The suspect, security minister during the governorships of Adán Augusto López Hernández (2019-2021) and Carlos Manuel Merino Campos (2021-2024) in the Gulf coast state of Tabasco, fled Mexico from Mérida, Yucatán, in early 2025. He was detained at a home in an exclusive area of Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.

Federal security authorities in Mexico said in a joint statement that they were involved in the arrest of Bermúdez, also known as “El Abuelo” (The Grandfather) and “Comandante H” (Commander H).

They said that the 72-year-old former state security minister was wanted on charges of criminal association, extortion and express kidnapping.

In a social media post, President Claudia Sheinbaum thanked the president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, for his “collaboration” in the arrest of Bermúdez, who held other security positions in Tabasco before becoming security minister in 2019.

“Our strategy of attention to the causes [of crime] and zero impunity reduces violence in our country,” she added.

The accusations against Bermúdez have been at the center of a major political scandal in Mexico.

Opposition formally accuses AMLO’s ex-interior minister of ties to Tabasco crime gang

López Hernández, the governor who appointed him as security minister, has faced questions over what he knew about the alleged criminal activities of his police chief.

He relinquished the governorship of Tabasco to become interior minister in the federal government led by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

After the arrest of Bermúdez, López Hernández — now the ruling Morena party’s top senator — reiterated his willingness to speak to authorities about the case against his former security minister. Opposition politicians have claimed that it is not possible that he was unaware that his security minister in Tabasco headed up a criminal organization.

López Hernández and Bermúdez are said to have a relationship dating back more than 30 years.

López faces allegations that, in his capacity as notary public, he helped Bermúdez and his brother set up shell companies utilized to carry out illegal activities as well as earn millions in state-issued contracts.

Extradition to Mexico may take months

Bermúdez’s transfer to Mexico will not be swift, as the suspect, during a hearing on Saturday, refused to agree to a simplified extradition process.

The regular extradition process in Paraguay takes 60 days, meaning that the former security minister is expected to return to Mexico in November.

Bermúdez is currently in the custody of Paraguay’s National Anti-Drugs Secretariat (SENAD).

The Public Ministry of Paraguay said that it received an extradition request from Mexico in accordance with an extradition treaty between the two countries.

During the Friday night raid at the house where Bermúdez was hiding, authorities seized “assets that could constitute important evidence for the open [criminal] process” in Mexico, the Public Ministry said.

The former official is believed to have been in Paraguay since March. Bermúdez was reportedly in Panama, Spain and Brazil before entering Paraguay.

His nephew was arrested in Paraguay in July on illegal gambling charges, a development that reportedly alerted Paraguayan authorities to the possibility that Bermúdez was also in the South American nation.

‘One of Mexico’s most wanted crime bosses’

Paraguayan President Peña said on social media that his government dealt a “forceful blow” to “transnational organized crime” by arresting Bermúdez.

Former security minister Hernán Bermúdez (middle) was reportedly involved in migrant trafficking, drug trafficking, fuel theft and extortion. (X)

He described “El Abuelo” as “one of Mexico’s most wanted capos,” or crime bosses, and an ally of the CJNG.

Peña said that Paraguayan authorities had collaborated closely with Mexico’s National Intelligence Center on the operation to arrest Bermúdez.

“I recognize and value the commitment of the president of Mexico, @Claudiashein, whose cooperation was key to achieving this great accomplishment,” he added.

“Paraguay won’t be a refuge for criminals and will remain resolute in the fight against organized crime,” Peña said.

La Barredora

La Barredora is a Tabasco-based criminal organization said to be affiliated with the CJNG, one of six Mexican cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the United States government.

The crime group is allegedly involved in a range of illicit activities, including migrant trafficking, drug trafficking, fuel theft and extortion.

The newspaper Excélsior reported last month that “the structure” of La Barredora “is characterized by operating from the inside of public institutions, especially in security areas, which allowed it to expand without facing an effective response from the state.”

With reports from EFE, Reforma, Infobae, El País and La Jornada