Sheinbaum’s 1-year ‘accountability tour’ to wrap up with Zócalo event: Monday’s mañanera recapped

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September 29, 2025

Sheinbaum Sept. 29 — Sheinbaum said on Monday that she will deliver a speech recapping her first year as president in Mexico City's central square, the Zócalo, this Sunday. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

Monday is the penultimate day of the first year of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s six-year term.

At her press conference on Monday morning, she spoke about a “rare” incident at Mexico City airport and the Mexico City-Toluca railroad, among other topics, such as Mexican corn.

Sheinbaum announces expanded seed bank protection for Mexico’s 64 corn varieties

Sheinbaum also commented briefly on her “unprecedented” national “accountability tour.”

CDMX air traffic control tower was struck by lightning twice

Sheinbaum acknowledged that the air traffic control tower at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was struck by lightning on Saturday — twice, in fact, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT).

The first lightning strike caused an electrical fault in the control tower and one runway at the AICM was subsequently closed for almost two hours on Saturday night, SICT said in a statement.

“During this period, the other runway continued to operate. As a result of the meteorological conditions, some flights were diverted to other airports,” the ministry said.

“Later, a bolt of lightning struck the control tower again. However, thanks to the redundant emergency communication systems, at no time was contact with aircraft lost,” SICT said.

“Between 20:01 and 20:33, departures were suspended to give priority to landings. … From 20:33, normal operations were reestablished with the resumption of take-offs,” the ministry said.

Sheinbaum said that the air traffic control tower’s systems had to be rebooted after the first lightning strike.

“And for safety, what is done in these cases is to stop [flight] operations,” she said.

Asked whether the interruption to operations could have been avoided with “better infrastructure,” Sheinbaum noted that the air traffic control tower has a lightning rod.

“It has everything, but this is something that is impossible to diagnose,” she said.

“It’s not that it can be avoided, but rather there are protocols in place for when lightning strikes [the air traffic control tower]. It is very unusual or rare for it to happen, but if it does occur, there is an emergency protocol to prevent any accidents,” Sheinbaum said.

CDMX-Toluca train to be fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026

Sheinbaum noted that the Mexico City-Toluca commuter train, “El Insurgente,” has been conducting trial runs to the Observatorio station in the national capital.

Once completed, the train — known as “El Insurgente” — will connect the Metropolitan Area of Toluca in México state with western Mexico City. — The Mexico City-Toluca commuter train — known as “El Insurgente” — will connect the Metropolitan Area of Toluca in México state with western Mexico City. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

Construction of the railroad began in 2014 during the presidency of Enrique Peña Nieto, but the first (partial) service didn’t run until 2023. As of September 2024, travel between Toluca and the Santa Fe station in Mexico City has been possible, but the Vasco de Quiroga and Observatorio stations in the capital remained out of action.

Sheinbaum said that the trial runs to the Observatorio station — where passengers will be able to transfer to the Observatorio metro station — will last around a month.

She said that the latest information she received was that passenger services between the Zinacantepec station near Toluca and the Observatorio station would commence during “the final days of December,” or in early January 2026.

The railroad is “practically” finished, Sheinbaum said before noting that 11 years have passed since construction first began.

Sheinbaum’s ‘accountability’ tour nears its end

Sheinbaum noted that she has now visited 30 Mexican states on her “accountability tour” after spending time in Chihuahua, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco and Colima during the past three days.

After delivering her first annual government report to the nation in a 70-minute speech on Sept. 1, the president commenced a speaking tour of the country to update residents in every state on government projects and initiatives in their local area.

Sheinbaum said that she will go to Morelos on Tuesday to complete her tour of all 31 states, while she will also deliver a speech in Mexico City’s central square, the Zócalo, this Sunday.

“It has truly been a very motivating experience,” she said of her national tour, adding that “a lot of people” attended her events across Mexico.

The president during a visit to Saltillo, Coahuila, over the weekend. — The president during a visit to Saltillo, Coahuila, on Sept. 7. (Alejandro Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)

“What we do is provide a report on welfare programs … and infrastructure projects … that we’re doing in every entity of the republic,” Sheinbaum said.

“The truth is it has been a very moving experience,” she said.

“And I think all those who have attended, close to half a million people have attended the … [events]. It’s unprecedented because it’s the first time that a president, a presidenta in this case, has given a report in each state,” Sheinbaum said.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies ([email protected])

Sheinbaum announces expanded seed bank protection for Mexico’s 64 corn varieties

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Sheinbaum holding corn — Sheinbaum made *maíz* the focus of her Sep. 29 morning press conference in honor of National Corn Day. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced the strengthening of germplasm or seed banks to further safeguard the genetic varieties of Mexican corn as part of her policy to protect a grain that is considered a national and cultural heritage.

The federal initiative follows a recent constitutional reform that prohibits the planting of genetically modified corn in Mexico. The ban seeks to ensure that native varieties are not at risk of disappearing as a result of contamination from modified corn crops.

A germplasm bank or seed bank is a repository where the seeds and hereditary material of plant varieties are preserved to protect their distinct genetic makeup. Sheinbaum’s plan is to fortify the existing corn germplasm bank system to safeguard all 64 varieties existing in Mexico, 59 of which are native. Those varieties of corn (or maize in English and maíz in Spanish) are considered vital to Mexico’s food security as well as its cultural identity.

“For each variety of corn that exists in Mexico, we need a bank to store that corn, those corn kernels, that germplasm, so it doesn’t get lost,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference on Monday, Sep. 29, which is National Corn Day.

The germplasm bank is part of a larger agricultural program dubbed Sin maíz no hay país (Without corn there is no country), which aims to support corn producers.

Congress to consider constitutional ban on growing GM corn in Mexico

Mexico is already home to several germplasm or seed banks focused on the conservation of seeds and genetic diversity of different crops, including some dedicated to corn. During the morning press conference, Mexico City Environment Minister Julia Álvarez Icaza reminded reporters that Mexico already houses the world’s largest maize germplasm bank, making the protection of the country’s corn a matter of global food security.

Called the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), this germplasm bank is located in Texcoco and houses the largest and most diverse collections of maize and wheat in the world.

Dr. Carlos H. Avendaño, Director of the National Center for Genetic Resources (CNRG), has said that the most important objective of the conservation strategy is to ensure the preservation and availability of seeds and other species for the future.

He explained that germplasm banks play a crucial role in safeguarding Mexico’s existing genetic resources, as they ensure agri-food sovereignty. For instance, in the event of a pest problem, these banks can provide resistant strains that may resolve the issue.

Finally, Sheinbaum noted that this program will also include the distribution of free fertilizers and direct financial support to strengthen the cultivation of native corn in Mexico.

With reports from El Sol de México and La Jornada Maya

Yucatán, Nuevo León showcase innovative cultural policies at UNESCO Mondiacult

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Maya embroidery — The Safeguarding Plan for Yucatecan Maya Embroidery, linking ancient tradition to contemporary social and economic vitality, is one of the projects that Mexico will be presenting at the global conference. (Shutterstock)

Cultural leaders from the Mexican states of Nuevo León and Yucatán are in Barcelona, Spain, this week, joining others from around the world in showcasing innovative community and heritage projects at UNESCO Mondiacult 2025.

Held for only the third time ever, the world’s largest cultural policy conference began on Monday. It will last for three days.

crown at book table at conference in Spain — Representatives from 194 countries have arrived in Barcelona for the third UNESCO global conference on culture policy. The previous two conferences took place in Mexico City. (@CooperacionESP/X)

UNESCO is the acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and Mondiacult — a portmanteau of “mondial” (“worldwide” in Catalán) and “culture” — is shorthand for the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development.

The first two versions of Mondiacult were held in Mexico City — in 1982 and in 2022.

This year’s gathering in Barcelona has brought together representatives from 194 countries for talks on global cultural policy and sustainable development.

The Mexican delegation includes Culture Minister Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexican Ambassador to UNESCO Juan Antonio Ferrer Aguilar and a number of other officials.

Topics on the agenda include digital technology, education, climate action and economic impact of programs. Emerging issues like peace and artificial intelligence are also under discussion.

Mexican officials will take part in a conference on cultural rights and heritage, and Diego Prieto Hernández will speak on advancing cultural democracy. Prieto is the head of Mexico’s Unit for Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage and Interculturality (UCVPII).

Cultural Spheres in Nuevo León

Nuevo León’s “Cultural Spheres” program will be featured as a community model that uses art spaces for social transformation.

The 6-year-old initiative has reached more than 2.1 million people in marginalized communities and stands as a flagship community intervention initiative driven by the belief that culture fuels social transformation.

Art-infused community centers offer free, accessible spaces designed for all ages and abilities, supporting integration, creativity and human development. Facilities include early childhood zones, multidisciplinary art workshops, music studios, libraries and theatres — all tailored to facilitate engagement throughout the day.

community center in Nuevao León — Nuevo León’s “Cultural Spheres” initiative creates art-infused community centers reaching more than 2.1 million people, from kids to seniors, in marginalized communities in the belief that culture fuels social transformation. (nl.gob.mx)

Maya embroidery in Yucatán

Yucatán is presenting its gender-sensitive Safeguarding Plan for Yucatecan Maya Embroidery, an innovative cultural policy linking ancient tradition to contemporary social and economic vitality.

The effort centers on protecting and professionalizing traditional embroidery, empowering over 300 artisans — mainly women — through the development of local and state safeguarding plans, official certifications, and organizational networks.

The plan, backed by UNESCO, recognizes Maya embroidery as both living heritage and an economic engine. Last December, 200 master embroiderers gained formal certification, allowing them to pass on their expertise with curriculum recognition.

These steps have helped strengthen community organization and support fair, culturally relevant business models, making embroidery a pillar of local development.

The program also aims to secure official recognition for Maya embroidery as part of Mexico’s national intangible heritage inventory, which would ensure institutional support and further economic resilience.

With reports from La Jornada and El País

Mexico’s exports up 7.4% despite auto sector decline

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Exports from Mexico at Lázaro Cardenas — The lion's share of Mexico's export revenue comes from the shipment abroad — especially to the United States — of manufactured goods. (Alan Ortega/Cuartoscuro)

The value of Mexico’s exports increased 7.4% annually in August, outpacing the 4.7% year-over-year spike recorded in the first eight months of 2025, according to data from the national statistics agency INEGI.

INEGI published its latest trade data last Friday, reporting that Mexico’s exports were worth US $55.72 billion in August and $425.15 billion in the first eight months of the year.

The 4.7% annual increase in the value of exports between January and August puts Mexico on track to set a new record for export revenue this year after income exceeded $600 billion for the first time in 2024.

The increase in export revenue in 2025 has occurred despite the United States — easily Mexico’s largest trade partner — putting new tariffs on a range of Mexican products. Mexico has benefited from even greater U.S. protectionism against other U.S. trade partners, such as China.

“Despite tensions in international trade and a slower economic growth environment, the Mexican export sector has shown remarkable resilience so far in 2025, taking advantage of the reduced trade between the United States and China to gain greater participation in U.S. imports,” said analysts from the Monex financial group.

Manufacturing sector records strong export growth, but auto revenue is down

The lion’s share of Mexico’s export revenue comes from the shipment abroad — especially to the United States — of manufactured goods.

In August, revenue from manufactured goods increased 9% annually to $51.7 billion, or 93% of Mexico’s total export income.

Between January and August, manufacturing sector export revenue increased 6.5% to $387.1 billion, representing 91% of total export income.

Mexico’s manufacturing sector export income increased in August and in the first eight months of the year, despite revenue from auto exports declining. The annual decline in automotive revenue in August was 1.2% to $16.16 billion, while the decrease in the first eight months of the year was a more pronounced 4.1% to $123.43 billion.

The United States imposed tariffs on light vehicles made in Mexico and other countries around the world in April. Mexican vehicles get a “discount” on the 25% tariff as their U.S. content — 40% of total content, on average — is exempt from the duty.

Despite Mexico’s comparative advantage over many other countries that export cars to the United States, the INEGI data indicates that the U.S. tariffs have hurt the large Mexican auto sector.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement last week that his government would impose a 25% tariff on heavy truck imports could cause a further deterioration in export revenue for the Mexican auto sector.

The measure, which is set to take effect on Wednesday, is “particularly relevant for Mexico” because heavy truck exports “represent close to 23%” of all of Mexico’s auto sector exports, according to Monex analysts Janneth Quiroz and Kevin Louis Castro.

It remains to be seen whether heavy trucks made in Mexico, or at least their U.S. content, will be exempt from the new U.S. tariff.

Mining revenue surges while ag and oil income slumps

INEGI’s data also shows that Mexico’s mining sector export revenue increased in August and in the first eight months of 2025. In contrast, income from the shipment abroad of agricultural products and oil products declined annually in both August and the January-August period.

Mexico is keeping more crude oil at home as it seeks to make progress toward the goal of achieving self-sufficiency for fuel. The agricultural sector has been affected by climatic conditions, including drought and, more recently, heavy rain in some parts of the country.

Exports in August

Mining sector revenue increased 41.3% to $1.13 billion.
Oil sector revenue declined 26.3% to $1.63 billion.
Agricultural sector revenue declined 14.3% to $1.24 billion.

Exports in first 8 months of 2025

Mining sector revenue increased 24.4% to $8.37 billion.
Oil sector revenue declined 24.7% to $14.69 billion.
Agricultural sector revenue declined 8.1% to $14.98 billion.

Mexico in Numbers: Agriculture

Despite export gains, Mexico still has a trade deficit

INEGI’s data shows that the value of Mexico’s imports declined 0.2% annually in August and grew by just 0.4% in the first eight months of the year.

However, the decline in the outlay on imports in August and the slow pace of growth so far this year didn’t allow Mexico to notch up trade surpluses.

Mexico’s expenditure on imports in August was $57.66 billion, leaving it with a trade deficit just shy of $2 billion last month.

The outlay on imports between January and August was $425.68 billion, leaving Mexico with a trade deficit in that period of $530 million.

Mexico is aiming to reduce its reliance on imports, especially from China and other Asian countries. One positive shown in the latest INEGI data is that Mexico’s outlay on foreign petroleum products declined 14% annually in August and 9% in the first eight months of the year.

With reports from El Economista and La Jornada

After the deluge: Federal and CDMX authorities plan flood control reservoir in Iztapalapa

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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Clara Brugada with team in Iztapalapa following a flood — Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada toured the flood-damaged eastern borough of Iztapalapa on Sunday in the aftermath of the intense storm on Saturday. (Clara Brugada/X)

After record rainfall deluged Mexico City over the weekend, President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered a house-by-house census of the damage, while her Welfare Ministry has launched an emergency rescue program to help those most in need.

During the president’s Monday morning press conference, Welfare Minister Ariadna Montiel said that in addition to calculating the damage, her office is channeling support to the most heavily impacted areas.

flood in Iztapalapa — Three inches of rain fell in a three-hour period, causing flooding in Mexico City, especially in the eastern borough of Iztapalapa. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)

By mid-day Sunday, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada’s office had set up seven command posts in Iztapalapa in order to coordinate dredging efforts, deliver food rations and hand out first-aid kits.

Brugada also said her government was stepping up efforts to build a regulating reservoir, or surge tank, to help with flood control in the hard-hit eastern borough of Iztapalapa.

Metropolitan Services officials will soon meet with the owner of the property in the Santa María Aztahuacán neighborhood that could be converted into a reservoir.

“We can channel all the water coming from the hill, which is what floods the entire neighborhood, to this area,” Brugada said. The hill the mayor referred to is the long-dormant volcano Cerro de la Estrella that looms over neighborhoods in the middle of Iztapalapa.

‘One of the most intense storms in decades’

In less than three hours, 75 mm (3 inches) of water fell on Saturday, overflowing the city’s drainage system. National Water Commission director Efraín Morales said the downpour was one of the most intense storms to hit the nation’s capital in decades. The entire city and three México state municipalities to the east were drenched.

Morales said the magnitude of the downpour, combined with garbage accumulation in drains and the deterioration of infrastructure due to uneven ground settling, magnified the flooding.

The cloudburst and resulting emergency forced Mexico City officials to declare a Purple Alert in Iztapalapa, where 20 neighborhoods were inundated for hours, forcing dozens of families to spend the night in raw sewage after drains and floodgates overflowed.

A Red Alert (the second-highest) was issued for the northeastern Mexico City borough of Venustiano Carranza, while the city’s remaining 14 boroughs were placed under an Orange Alert.

flooded home in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, with dogs — A resident of the Santa María Aztahuacán neighborhood of Iztapalapa found a way to keep his dogs safe and dry while his property was inundated. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)

Iztapalapa authorities reported heavy damage to homes and infrastructure due to floodwaters that were as deep as 1.5 meters (5 feet). The flooding there prompted Metro officials to close the five easternmost stations of Line A.

Water was still rising in Santa María Aztahuacán on Sunday morning.

An elderly couple told the newspaper La Jornada that they did not sleep at all on Saturday night. “My wife and I sat there on a chair the entire time,” said the man, who repeatedly tried to clear the only drain on his street with a stick.

Another Iztpapalapa resident tearfully told La Jornada that the water reached her granddaughters’ necks as they struggled to escape the flooding.

Insurance adjusters contracted by the city government were also scheduled to visit homes this week to record losses and prepare claims in accordance with the flood protection policy.

With reports from Expansión, La Jornada, El Economista and El Sol de México

Mexico building its own satellites to monitor climate, security threats

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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a Mexican satellite — With a first-year budget of 100 million pesos (US $5.4 million), Mission Ixtli has involved researchers, students and academics at four Mexican universities. (AEM/X)

Mexico is taking steps toward technological independence by developing four Earth observation satellites that could be launched over the course of several months beginning in December 2026.

The satellites, collectively called Mission Ixtli, are being designed to monitor phenomena related to climate change and national security, allowing the country to generate its own information without relying on foreign sources.

Ixtli aims to end Mexico’s dependence on foreign satellite information by using its own technology to generate data and strategies to address forest fires, forest health, landslides, crop health and species monitoring, as well as a variety of national security issues.

Ixtli means “eyes to see” in Nahuatl, the Indigenous language spoken throughout central Mexico.

With a first-year budget of 100 million pesos (US $5.4 million), researchers, students and academics at four institutions — the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE) and the Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP) — have been in charge of designing the satellites since December 2024.

A larger budget is anticipated next year so that more domestic technology — perhaps up to 50% — can be included progressively in the design, components, satellite integration and ground stations.

“We want to grow as a technologically independent nation that can make its own decisions,” José Francisco Valdés Galicia, coordinator of the UNAM Space Program, told the news magazine Expansión.

More than 50 government institutions, including the National Forestry Commission, the national statistics agency INEGI and the Environment Ministry, rely on satellite imagery acquired by companies in the U.S., France, and other nations, at an annual cost of roughly 250 million pesos (US $13.6 million).

Gxiba-1 satellite — Gxiba-1 — part of Mission Ixtli — will be launched from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center in October and is designed to monitor Mexico’s active volcanoes. (AEM/X)

Valdés said the development of satellites tailored specifically to the country’s needs will help Mexico achieve independence. Additionally, Ixtli will help Mexican scientists gain experience and knowledge in these techniques for the first time, he said.

“The tangible benefits of the project might not be seen for another 10 years,” Valdés said. “But what we will see in concrete terms is that Mexico is entering the space age.”

In a related development, the UPAEP will launch its second nanosatellite on Oct. 20. This CubeSat, Gxiba-1 — part of Mission Ixtli — will be launched from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center and is designed to monitor Mexico’s active volcanoes in the hopes of developing prediction models for possible eruptions.

Gxiba-1 — which means “universe” or “stars” in the Indigenous language Zapotec — is equipped with sensors to measure changes in volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

CubeSats typically measure 10 centimeters on each side and weigh approximately one kilogram. They have gained popularity as a viable replacement for traditional satellites in space programs due to their low cost as they can be built with readily available commercial parts.

UPAEP’s first nanosatellite — AztechSat-1 — was launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX in 2019 and recognized by NASA.

With reports from Expansión, Mundo Ejecutivo Puebla, CarlosMartín.com and La Jornada de Oriente

Warmer winter ahead: Mexico could see temperatures up to 3°C above normal

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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people dressed for cold — La Niña is the cool phase of the ENSO cycle and results in drier, milder weather systems. (Denisse Hernández/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico is gearing up for a warmer and drier winter than normal, according to official forecasts from the National Water Commission (Conagua) and the National Meteorological Service (SMN).

Conagua is forecasting that in October and November, most of the country will experience temperatures one to three degrees Celsius above the climatic average recorded over the past 35 years – an anomaly caused by the weather phenomenon known as La Niña.

In the Sierra Madre Occidental region (Chihuahua, Durango and parts of Sinaloa and Zacatecas), the SMN expects below-average minimum temperatures.

La Niña is the second phase and counterpart of El Niño, which both make up the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a weather pattern that significantly changes the global climate.

El Niño is the warm phase of the ENSO cycle and is characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon causes heavy rains and rising temperatures in several ocean regions, primarily in waters off the west coast of South America.

Meanwhile, La Niña is the cool phase of the ENSO cycle and results in effects that are generally the opposite of those of El Niño.

While most of the country can expect a mild winter, higher elevation areas of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental region (Chihuahua, Durango and parts of Sinaloa and Zacatecas) could see below-average minimum temperatures. (Unsplash)

Although La Niña is associated with the cooling of the Pacific Ocean, it can increase temperatures in Mexico during the winter, primarily because it reduces the arrival of cold fronts and favors dry conditions.

According to the SMN, this year’s cold season — which technically runs from September 2025 to May 2026 — will see 48 frontal systems compared to the 46 recorded between September 2024 and May 2025. The SMN has reported that five cold fronts are expected to occur in September, five in October, six in November, seven in December, six in January, five in February, six in March, five in April and three in May.

“This forecast considers the influence of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, which, although currently in the Neutral phase, has a 60 percent chance of developing a weak, short-lived La Niña event in the fall,” the SMN report says. “For Mexico, this typically translates into warmer and drier winters than usual, particularly in the north [of the country].”

La Niña’s effects are further exacerbated by climate change. Statistically, data from Conagua indicates that Mexico loses one day of frost every 15 years, a trend that began in 1950 and continues to this day.

With reports from El País

Mexico and US launch Mission Firewall to stop cross-border gun trafficking

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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bullets — Many of the hundreds of thousands of firearms smuggled annually into Mexico from the United States end up in the hands of members of notorious drug cartels. (Myko Makhlai/Unsplash)

Mexico and the United States announced on Saturday the launch of a new bilateral initiative aimed at disrupting the southward flow of illicit weapons across the Mexico-U.S. border.

Mexican and U.S. officials thrashed out the details of the joint project — called “Mission Firewall: United Against Firearms Trafficking Initiative” — at the inaugural meeting of the Mexico-U.S. Security Implementation Group, held last Friday in McAllen, Texas.

The establishment of the binational security group was announced earlier this month during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Mexico.

The group is set to meet regularly to coordinate joint security actions and operations.

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry (SRE) said in a statement that the “main goals” of Mission Firewall include:

Increasing border operations to prevent weapons from entering Mexico.
Expanding use of the eTrace tool to strengthen firearms investigations in both countries.
Implementing ballistic identification technology across all 32 states of Mexico.
Strengthening information sharing between Mexican and U.S. authorities.
Increasing investigations and prosecutions of criminal cases involving firearms.

The U.S. State Department said that the U.S. would “increase inspections and coordination with Mexico to stop the southbound flow of firearms.”

It described Mission Firewall as “an ambitious bilateral effort to combat illicit firearms trafficking through an unprecedented level of collaboration between both nations.”

Many of the hundreds of thousands of firearms smuggled annually into Mexico from the United States end up in the hands of members of notorious drug cartels. They use the weapons to commit violent crimes, including murder.

The Mexican government has long called on its U.S. counterpart to do more to stem the southward flow of weapons, and has complimented the Trump administration for heeding that message. It also sued a number of United States-based gun manufacturers and distributors, accusing them of negligent business practices that have led to illegal arms trafficking and deaths in Mexico. The United States Supreme Court threw out Mexico’s US $10 billion lawsuit in June, but the Mexican government has continued to push U.S. authorities to crack down on arms trafficking to Mexico, where guns are only sold legally at two army-run stores.

“For the first time, the United States recognizes that it has to do operations to control … the illegal trafficking of weapons to Mexico,” President Sheinbaum said on Monday. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

On Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum said that for “years” the United States “didn’t accept” that the trafficking of weapons from the U.S. to Mexico was a “problem,” or “did the Fast and Furious operation [in Mexico] with the consent of the then [president Felipe] Calderón.”

Now, “for the first time, the United States recognizes that it has to do operations to control … the illegal trafficking of weapons to Mexico,” she said.

The agreement to conduct Mission Firewall is “very important,” Sheinbaum said.

The United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ron Johnson, said on social media on Saturday that “for the first time,” the U.S. and Mexico were “implementing joint inspections, real-time info-sharing, and expanded investigations to stop weapons fueling cartels.”

“… Mission Firewall marks a new chapter in U.S.–Mexico cooperation,” he wrote.

The meeting in McAllen

The meeting in McAllen, a border city opposite Reynosa, Tamaulipas, took place just over three weeks after Rubio held security talks with Sheinbaum and other Mexican officials in Mexico City. He subsequently said that the U.S. and Mexico were “amplifying” their security cooperation in order to combat organized crime groups and the narcotics they traffic on both sides of the border.

The State Department said that representatives from six U.S. government agencies and their Mexican government counterparts attended the meeting in McAllen on Friday.

Representatives from six U.S. government agencies and their Mexican government counterparts attended the inaugural Mission Firewall meeting in McAllen, Texas, on Friday. (@SRE_mx/X)

The SRE said that the U.S. government reported on the progress that has already been made to stop arms trafficking to Mexico. The ministry said that U.S. officials reported that since January, the Trump administration has “opened more than 125 arms trafficking investigations, seized firearms, and identified suspected members of criminal networks involved in this crime on U.S. territory.”

At the meeting, the Mexico-U.S. Security Implementation Group also announced “the formation of a bilateral working group to combat cross-border illicit finance and cooperate on civil asset forfeiture,” according to the State Department.

It also said that “at Mexico’s request, the United States has created a first-of-its-kind secure platform to allow information sharing regarding suspicious air shipments and packages to identify and interdict illicit drugs, chemical precursors, firearms, and illicit fuels.”

The ramping up of security cooperation between Mexico and the United States comes as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to pressure the Mexican government to do more to combat cartels and stop narcotics, especially fentanyl, from reaching the U.S.

So-called “fentanyl tariffs” that Trump imposed on non-USMCA compliant imports from Mexico in March remain in effect.

Sheinbaum has said on countless occasions that her government is willing to cooperate and collaborate on security issues with its U.S. counterpart, but won’t accept subordination or any violation of its sovereignty. She revealed in May that she had declined an offer from Trump to send the U.S. army into Mexico to combat cartels, and has ruled out the possibility of the U.S. “invading” the country or bombing cartel targets.

Mexico News Daily

How the Mexican government and the Catholic Church are tackling gun violence together

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MND Staff

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September 29, 2025

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In January this year, the Mexican government, in collaboration with the Catholic Church, launched the program Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz (Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace) to encourage citizens who own firearms to voluntarily and anonymously exchange them for money.

This is the first time the program has been replicated nationwide, having previously run in Mexico City during the time President Claudia Sheinbaum served as head of government.

President Claudia Sheinbaum exchanging toys — President Claudia Sheinbaum exchanges a toy as part of the government’s *Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz* initiative. (Gobierno de Mexico)

The program’s goal is to remove guns from households, particularly among civilians, to reduce high-impact crimes, injuries and accidental deaths caused by firearms. It also seeks to promote values, attitudes and behaviors that prevent violence, as well as educate people about the dangers and consequences of possessing or handling weapons, ammunition or explosives in their homes.

Children are also included in the initiative, as the program encourages them to exchange any toy guns for educational and constructive toys instead.

“Guns are a symbol of violence and death. We don’t want any family to have a gun in their home,” declared Sheinbaum, who insisted on addressing the causes of violence in the country from early childhood.

While this is a laudable initiative, there are questions about its efficacy. Over 16 million guns are still circulating in Mexico.

How does the program work?

One of the strongest pillars of the program is its policy of anonymity. Anyone interested in exchanging firearms can do it freely, anonymously, respectfully and without legal consequences. “Identity and collected data will be protected at all times,” the government decree states.

For the collection of firearms, exchange booths are set up in public spaces, often church atriums, to provide a safe and secure space for citizens to surrender their weapons without fear of being investigated or targeted.

Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz

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Those who turn in weapons are given financial compensation depending on the weapon and its condition. The amounts established by the Ministry of the Interior range from 4,000 to 26,450 pesos (US $200 to US $1,300), depending on the model, caliber and service life of the weapon. Explosives, ammunition or cartridges are also accepted.

President Sheinbaum has allocated a budget of 6 million pesos (US $325,254) for the program. Of that amount, 10% of the total budget corresponds to operating expenses, while 5.4 million pesos is used to fund financial compensation for the exchange of firearms and war-themed toys.

All weapons collected are sent to be destroyed by the National Defense Ministry (Sedena). Some weapons are destroyed on the spot.

How many firearms has the program collected and destroyed?

Official figures show that since the program began in January this year, 5,890 arms have been collected. Meanwhile, 5,169 war toys have been exchanged in activities organized for children and teenagers.

But despite efforts to take firearms out of circulation, the majority of weapons circulating in the country are not in the hands of the general population. Weapons here are usually found in the hands of the Armed Forces or organized crime.

How many firearms are in circulation in Mexico?

Handgun and bullets — There are 16 million firearms in Mexico currently, a number the government is working to reduce. (Gobierno de Mexico).

According to recent data from the Small Arms Survey, there are an estimated 16 million firearms in Mexico, with the Army typically seizing around 13,000 each year. However, the vast majority of Mexicans do not own a gun.

According to the results of the Second Mexican Survey on Firearm Possession, Use, and Opinion, 96% of respondents stated that no one in their household owned a firearm. Furthermore, a separate survey conducted by the Center for Social Studies and Public Policy (CESOP) revealed that Mexicans lack both legal and cultural incentives to own a firearm. Reasons against ownership cited include child safety, the belief that firearms are dangerous and general opposition to violence and guns.

These results contrast sharply with the fact that nearly 2,000 illegal weapons enter the country every day, making it the country with the sixth-highest number of illegal firearms.

This data is in stark contrast to the United States, where 72% of U.S. citizens say they have fired a gun at some point, four in 10 American adults have a gun at home and 30% report that they personally own at least one firearm.

Earlier this year, the United States government revealed that 74% of the weapons used by Mexican cartels come from the U.S. and enter the country through the northern border with Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.

Does the program work?

Back to the original question, is the Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz program efficient in eradicating gun violence in Mexico?

It is too soon to answer this question. But given that the vast majority of guns circulating in Mexico are not in the hands of civilians, perhaps this initiative should be combined with other security strategies to achieve a meaningful decline in firearm violence.

Arranca en Tlaquepaque la campaña “Sí al desarme, sí a la paz” https://t.co/qb9CkCIlrY pic.twitter.com/VgVPT0uDdJ

— Rocío Bárcena Molina (@RocioBarcenaM) September 15, 2025

Big changes usually begin with education. Educating citizens about the harm of gun violence is definitely a step in the right direction, even if there is still a long way to go.

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.

The story of ‘Redonda,’ Mexico City’s all-woman design co-op

By

Ana Paula De la Torre

-

September 29, 2025

1

Redonda showroom in Mexico City — Redonda is an all-female Mexican design collective, whose universe is full of colors, objects and design. (Redonda)

At the beginning of 2025, five established Mexican women designers gathered around a circular table. For years, they had dreamed of creating a “street-level” showroom to display their unique creations. However, they faced doubts due to the logistical and financial challenges that such a venture would entail. Suddenly, the idea of launching a showroom seemed much more attainable.

These five designers shared similar philosophies regarding handmade items, fair trade, local production, local design and female collaboration. Thus, Redonda was born. In Spanish, redonda is the feminine form of “round,” alluding to a circular shape. According to its founders, this term serves as a metaphor for various feminine issues, including the womb, the menstrual cycle and the Earth, which is often viewed as feminine in many indigenous cultures.

Creating art in Redonda — For its creators, Redonda is an autobiographical space where the team produces work representative of who they are. (Redonda)

“In Redonda, you’ll find only projects with ethical practices and unique designs. You’re not just buying crafts to resell. You’re investing in original designs. There’s a comprehensive process involving the communities that is more thoughtful and elaborate. It encompasses design, work, collaboration, communication and connection. This is a circular project — another nod to the essence of Redonda,” explains Melissa Ávila, one of the Mexican designers involved in this initiative.

The design in Redonda

“Redonda is an autobiographical space for clothing and objects. We are five women with five distinct visions. Each of us has our own studio and a solid, well-established brand,” shares Ávila, who also runs M.A Studio.

The group includes Karim Molina of Ayres, a studio that creates utilitarian objects using natural materials such as volcanic stone, marble and natural leather, all crafted entirely by hand. There’s also Andrea García-Cano Turner from Casa Norte, who specializes in interior design and curates unique objects. Ávila is known for bringing art objects like sculptures and carpets to life in “a celebration of modernism, tradition and design.” Carla Qua of Agnes Workshop creates embroidered clothing using natural dyes. Lastly, Cristina Domínguez of Mina Studio is an artisanal leather designer from Guadalajara, Jalisco. All of them collaborate with artisans under a fair trade model, presenting a unique aesthetic.

“We clicked immediately. Our values align closely, and we place a high value on teamwork. While conflicts inevitably arise, we listen, decide and act as a group,” Ávila notes.

Redonda has unintentionally crafted a new aesthetic identity. The recently opened showroom, located in the heart of Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood, is an interior design proposal that honors Mexico’s historical, natural and artisanal roots while showcasing the beauty of the materials, design and craftsmanship.

The future is collaboration

One of the core tenets of this project is the belief that women should unite to support one another. “The future is collaborative,” says Ávila. “All the women in Redonda have created incredibly sensitive proposals. We all work with artisans and are deeply committed to new practices and collaborations.” It’s a circular dynamic, as the name Redonda suggests.

Arts and crafts in Redonda — Pieces created by Redonda feature diverse materials, textures and artisanal processes. (Redonda)

Redonda also exemplifies collaboration in the Mexican design scene, demonstrating how it can be harnessed to realize a common dream in the business world, which is often associated with competition. “In Redonda, the private and public spheres intertwine to build an authentic, autobiographical and pluralistic material culture,” per the project’s mission statement.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets, including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.