Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols discussed the importance of "judicial transparency" in light of the proposed judicial reform in Mexico. (Screen capture)
A high-ranking United States Department of State official has emphasized the importance of “judicial transparency” for investors ahead of the possible approval of a controversial judicial reform in Mexico.
Brian Nichols, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, was asked about President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s proposed judicial reform during an appearance on Wednesday before the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Brian Nichols spoke to a congressional committee on Wednesday about Mexico and the impact of proposed judicial reforms that could be passed by Morena. (U.S. State Department)
“On Monday, President-elect [Claudia] Sheinbaum spoke about the AMLO proposed judicial overhaul that could upset the balance of power in Mexico and create market unrest. How do you anticipate that Mexico’s recent election and the proposed judicial changes will affect American treatment in Mexico?” asked Greg Stanton, a Democrat from Arizona.
Nichols first noted that Mexico is a sovereign country that has procedures it can use to change its legal framework.
He then said that “we believe that judicial transparency is vital for all investors, whether they’re domestic Mexican investors or international investors, particularly those from the United States and Canada as USMCA partners.”
Nichols also said that “whatever the future legal regime is in Mexico,” the United States “will continue to insist” that “all the signatories to the USMCA respect the protection of foreign investment provisions in that agreement.”
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the first woman to be elected president of Mexico, in a landslide victory. (Cuartoscuro)
A key aim of the proposal is to allow citizens to elect Supreme Court justices from candidates nominated by the sitting president, the Congress and sitting Supreme Court justices themselves.
Among its other objectives are to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to nine, to shorten their terms from 15 years to 12, and to cap their maximum permitted salary at the same level as that earned by the president.
Critics say that the plan, as well as some of the other constitutional reform proposals AMLO submitted to Congress in February, will reduce the checks and balances on executive power in Mexico.
Stanton also spoke about the opportunities for Western Hemisphere nations generated by the growing nearshoring trend, and specifically asked Nichols about how the United States will go about encouraging Sheinbaum to address barriers to foreign investment in Mexico.
Investment in industrial parks and manufacturing plants has been rising in Mexico with the nearshoring trend as global supply chains shift. (LGMG)
“Mexico has lots of work to do to address nearshoring challenges. It needs to open up its energy policy and rein in the cartels,” the lawmaker said.
“How should the United States encourage President-elect Sheinbaum to tackle such obstacles to nearshoring investment?” Stanton asked.
After noting that Sheinbaum is a scientist — she was a member of a United Nations panel of climate scientists that was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 — Nichols said that he believed that “demonstrating to her with the hard facts the importance of these issues and laying out the scientific case will be compelling for her.”
The president-elect has previously said that the nearshoring phenomenon will help drive significant growth in Mexico in the next six-year period of government.
Earlier this week, she expressed confidence that foreign companies will continue to relocate to Mexico because the rule of law will continue to be respected, the economy is strong and the government will always be open to dialogue.
“The important thing to know for those who are going to invest in Mexico is that there is investment certainty in our country, there is social and political stability,” Sheinbaum said.
Beat the heat with this refreshing and healthy jugo verde. (Lola's Cocina)
Jugo verde, or green juice, was one of my first culinary fixations when I moved to Mexico. The explosion of flavor was unlike anything I had ever tasted, even though I was familiar with all the ingredients, excluding the cactus. This recipe (with a twist) will let you create that little piece of magic in your own kitchen.
Considering the heat wave Mexico is experiencing, this is the most refreshing concoction you could put in your blender. This green goodness is a staple in many Mexican households and street food stalls — and for good reason.
Jugo verde is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. (Phrònesis)
This nutrient-rich blend provides vitamins A, C, and K, enhancing immune function, skin health, and bone strength. Pineapple and ginger aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Orange and lime juices boost immune defense and improve skin health. Cactus and celery offer fiber for digestive health and blood sugar regulation. This smoothie is a dynamo of nutrients promoting digestion, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall well-being, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact date regarding the origin of jugo verde, but it can be traced back to traditional Mexican herbal and natural remedies, where various plant-based ingredients were used for their medicinal properties.
Mexican jugo verde typically incorporates local produce and herbs, blending them into a vibrant, green mixture that is both tasty and beneficial. Over time, jugo verde has evolved with various regional recipes adding their own twist to the basic formula. Despite variations on the theme, the core idea remains the same: A drink that harnesses the raw power of green vegetables and fruits to boost health and wellness.
Here’s my favorite version of Mexican Jugo Verde:
Stephen’s Jugo Verde
Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 cup frozen pineapple, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 cup orange juice (or water for a low sugar option)
1 thumb sized piece of ginger, peeled and chopped (less if you’re afraid, of course)
1-2 nopales (cactus pads), chopped
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients: Wash all the fresh produce thoroughly. Start with throwing in the frozen pineapple chunks. Chop the other ingredients to a blender friendly size, chuck them in, add the juices, and blend. Add more juice or water if the mixture is too thick
You don’t want to strain this juice, as I see some recipes online call for. You want to keep all the fibery goodness that you can.
Serve: Pour the jugo verde into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy your refreshing and energizing green juice!
Keeping the bits in your juice is a great way to get the most from the ingredients, so don’t strain it! (María José Martínez/Cuartoscuro)
Tips to get the most out of this jugo verde recipe:
Adjust the sweetness by adding some agave syrup if desired.
The frozen pineapple should be sufficient but for a colder drink. Add a few ice cubes to the blender or refrigerate the ingredients before blending.
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, feel free to experiment with other green ingredients like kale, apples, or Swiss chard to change things up.
Mexican jugo verde is a delicious way to incorporate a variety of greens and fruits into your diet. It offers a great mix of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Enjoy this traditional drink after a nice long run or as a refreshing cure for an overly indulgent night out.
Stephen Randall has lived in Mexico since 2018 by way of Kentucky, and before that, Germany. He’s an enthusiastic amateur chef who takes inspiration from many different cuisines, with favorites including Mexican and Mediterranean.
The 1990s saw the northern city of Monterrey produce a stream of successful, rebellious rock bands. Their music defined a generation, highlighting dissatisfaction against decades of conservative rule. (Kinky/Facebook)
Latin America has a rich history of producing its own rock music. Bands such as Argentina’s Soda Stereo and Babasónicos, Mexico’s Café Tacvba and Molotov, Chile’s Los Prisioneros, and Colombia’s Aterciopelados, rock bands have touched hearts and awakened social consciences across the continent. While genres like reggaeton, cumbia and Mexican regional music are popular today, 20th-century Latin rock is known for its politically critical and defiant nature, as it frequently exploded under dictatorships or authoritarian regimes.
Given Monterrey’s current conservative reputation, it may come as a surprise that the city was a hub for cutting-edge bands in the mid-1990s. Mexico City journalist Ricardo Bravo dubbed this musical movement La Avanzada Regia — the Monterrey Advance Party — highlighting the vibrant and innovative music scene that emerged during this period.
The city is proud of the music scene it produced, some 30 years after the initial wave of bands. (Facebook)
Born in Monterrey in 1994, I grew up immersed in this music, largely due to the influence of my father, who was in his mid-twenties at the time and remains an avid fan of these groups. Several factors contributed to these bands’ uniqueness: they created a thriving music scene in an unexpected location, their lyrics were both appreciative and critical of their surroundings and each band had a distinct and unique sound.
But who were these bands? What did they sing about, what allowed them to flourish, and why did the scene end?
The bands that led the charge
The Avanzada Regia’s iconic bands were composed of young men who, in their own words, never expected to be “discovered.” Addressing themes such as heartbreak, childhood memories, the Monterrey landscape, community pride and defiance of authority, their music has garnered significant fame in the Spanish-speaking world. Some of the movement’s most notable groups include:
Control Machete: Inspired by Cypress Hill, this hip-hop band was arguably the movement’s most successful group. Their hit single “Sí Señor” was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2000 Latin Grammys, and they even embarked on the joint tour “Molochete” with the world-renowned Molotov. My favorite track is “Andamos Armados,” about community and using words and music as tools for change.
Zurdok: Known for their powerful, distorted guitar sound, Zurdok played a pivotal role in drawing attention to the Avanzada Regia as a whole. Lead singer, Chetes, has enjoyed a successful solo career. I recommend the song “Platique con mi pistola.”
El Gran Silencio - Dormir Soñando
Inspector: With a blend of ska, reggae and rock, Inspector continues to perform energizing music you can’t help but jump to. Their song “Amnesia,” recorded with Café Tacvba and La Maldita Vecindad, truly encapsulates the musical spirit of the era.
El Gran Silencio: My personal favorite, El Gran Silencio, combines norteño elements like accordion-heavy cumbia, vallenato, hip-hop, and rock. Their song “El Mitote” offers insight into Monterrey’s cultural life, while “Déjenme si estoy llorando” is personally significant personal significance for me as my father sang it to me when I was young. This band remains active.
Kinky: Known for their sophisticated mix of electronic and rock music, Kinky’s beats are particularly impressive. If I were to recommend one song, it would be “Soun tha mi primer amor.” I also strongly advise you to listen to their Unplugged session.
Plastilina Mosh: My favorite Avanzada group after El Gran Silencio, Plastilina Mosh makes exquisite music. If “delicious” could describe music, it would fit here. With catchy beats and provocative but ingenious lyrics, Plastilina can be downright addictive. Check out “P. Mosh” and “Peligroso Pop” to get a sense of their wide musical spectrum.
Kinky - Soun tha mi primer amor (Unplugged, video oficial)
Many more bands were part of the Avanzada Regia, including Cabrito Vudú, La Verbena Popular, Jumbo, Flor de Lingo, Volován and — for emo enthusiasts — Pxndx.
But where did they come from? What contributed to the rise of Monterrey’s vibrant music scene? Why did it eventually wane? And did it really come to an end?
Building a music scene in ‘90s Monterrey
The rise of the Avanzada Regia happened for a few key reasons. Firstly, Zurdok acted as a sort of musical ambassador for the city. Then was the fact that were places available — both physical venues and traditional media platforms — where bands could perform and share their music. There was also a strong sense of creative freedom among musicians, allowing for experimentation and innovation. And, of course, there was the visible influence of U.S. music on their sound.
Zurdok’s big win at the 1995 Rockotitlán Battle of the Bands in Mexico City was a huge moment, putting Monterrey on the map in the music scene. This group made history as the first non-chilango band to win this competition, turning heads toward our mountain city.
Zurdok’s success at Rockotitlán was the starting point for the explosion of talent back in Nuevo León. (Antena el Rock Vive/Facebook)
Monterrey had happening spots like Café Iguana and La Tumba in the Barrio Antiguo neighborhood, where bands could jam out and get noticed. They also got airtime on late night TV shows like Desvelados, hosted by Juan Ramón Palacios, while radio stations like D99 and Planeta 104.5 FM played their music, helping them gain popularity without needing to be signed to a label. In this sense, the community and media’s support was fundamental to the bands getting recognized for their talent.
Jonás Gonzalez from Plastilina Mosh summed this phenomenon up nicely in a 2005 interview: they were just a group of kids making music for the love of it, not worrying about hitting it big. They never imagined getting picked up by big record labels, which gave them the freedom to take creative and lyrical risks.
Being close to the U.S.-Mexico border wasn’t just about geography. It influenced Monterrey rockers’ sound and even made it easier for them to get musical gear at a good price in Texas, just a quick drive away from town.
The members of these bands had the right talent, at the right place and time. They were lucky and landed in fertile soil. What happened next?
Plastilina Mosh - Peligroso pop
How did the Avanzada Regia come to an end?
Tony Hernández of El Gran Silencio makes a compelling argument in a 2019 documentary, asserting that La Avanzada Regia persists. “El Gran Silencio, Inspector, Kinky, Chetes and over 15 other bands from that era are still active,” he says.
In the early 2000s, the musical landscape shifted significantly due to technological changes and the local sociopolitical context. Firstly, there was a diversification in how people consumed music, moving beyond traditional platforms like TV and radio. Secondly, Barrio Antiguo, once a buzzing neighborhood for music in Monterrey, fell victim to the city’s severe insecurity crisis at the time. This meant that musicians in town were deprived of crucial spaces to showcase their talent and grow.
Of course, the market dynamics have shifted as well. Rock and hip-hop, particularly in the Avanzada Regia style, have become more niche, while the mainstream audience gravitates towards genres like reggaeton, Mexican regional music, and pop.
Bands like Inspector still draw huge crowds to this day. (Inspector Oficial/Facebook)
Lessons and legacy of the Avanzada Regia
For me, remembering the Avanzada isn’t just about showcasing Monterrey’s uniqueness or extraordinary talent: it’s a testament to the power of community in nurturing young talent. Thanks to a supportive environment, many of these bands, formed by teenagers and college students, have carved out a name for themselves across the Spanish-speaking world.
What unfolded in Monterrey, where these aspiring musicians never imagined gaining recognition, should serve as a blueprint for other communities nurturing budding talent.
As someone profoundly influenced by these rock icons, I picked up the electric guitar at the age of 14. It’s incredible, and fills me with pride, to think that perhaps my journey is intertwined with the spirit of La Avanzada Regia, especially considering that Monterrey’s most prominent emerging band, The Warning, is made up of three sisters from my generation of regias: Daniela, Paulina and Alejandra Villareal.
If La Avanzada has opened doors for local youth and gifted us with its remarkable music, then it has undoubtedly been a worthwhile endeavor. The music industry should take some of the movement’s wisdom and apply its invaluable lessons; and so should you, when you’re searching for something new to listen to beyond the Mexico City musical bubble.
Ceci is a lawyer who grew up in Monterrey and has lived in Mexico City since 2013. She is passionate about the Mexican culinary and music scene, taking great pride in her country’s cultural contributions to the world.
The online ad posted by Max Latinoamérica to promote the upcoming second season of "House of the Dragon" featured altered footage of Mexico City's historic Chapultepec Castle made to appear to be flying flags from the fantasy series. (Screen capture/Max Latinoamérica)
Did Mexico City’s famous Chapultepec Castle recently fly the flags of one of the noble families from the “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” series?
A promotional video the Max streaming service posted to social media Monday seems to show that, but the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) says it didn’t happen. The footage in the online ad featuring Chapultepec Castle, it says, was the product of creative editing or artificial intelligence.
Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) displayed little humor about the online ad for Season 2 of the “House of the Dragon” series, posted on Max Latinomérica’s social media accounts on Monday. INAH’s statement in response took a screenshot from the video and labeled it “false.” (INAH)
Clearly unimpressed, INAH said in a statement that it would launch legal action against what it called the “improper use of images” at a historical monument.
The online ad posted to the X social media platform by Max Latinoamérica on Monday shows video footage of black Targaryen flags featuring a red dragon fluttering in the breeze at Chapultepec Castle, an impressive edifice built during the Viceroyalty of New Spain and once occupied by Emperor Maximilian I and his consort Empress Carlota.
“The Castle of Chapuletepec in Mexico was claimed by its queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the black council. It’s time to choose your side,” says the online ad for the second season of the fantasy series “House of the Dragon,” broadcast in Mexico by Max Latinoamérica.
Returning this Sunday, the second season of the hugely popular “Game of Thrones” prequel involves different kingdoms taking sides in a war for control over the highly coveted Iron Throne.
INAH made it clear that the promotional video is as fictitious as the series it promotes.
INAH’s statement features a screen grab from the footage superimposed with a large, red “FALSE” stamp.
“At no time have flags, banners or any other promotional material related to said production been placed over this property,” the statement said.
INAH also said that “the reproduction of images” from the Chapultepec Castle in the “House of the Dragon” ad had not been authorized, adding that “what is seen on social media was created by image editing programs of artificial intelligence.”
“For this reason, INAH’s National Coordination of Legal Issues will take the appropriate legal measures, given that it amounts to improper use of images at a historic monument,” the statement concluded.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that it was unclear whether Mexico could win the legal battle against artificial intelligence and computer-generated images.
“The institute did not claim authorship rights of the original video. The site is open to the public, so anyone could have filmed it,” AP said.
INAH may in fact have inadvertently helped promote the second season of “House of the Dragon,” given that its opposition to the online ad has been covered by Mexican and international media organizations.
In another publicity stunt, the official Game of Thrones X account also posted videos showing “House of the Dragon” banners on the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
Those videos were fake as well. AP confirmed that no such banners had been hanging from either bridge.
The Mexican peso plummeted to its lowest level in over a year on Wednesday morning, before making a slight afternoon recovery. (Shutterstock)
The Mexican peso slumped to its lowest level against the US dollar in more than a year on Wednesday, as markets continue to react to the June 2 election results and the likelihood of Congress approving a controversial judicial reform later this year.
The peso weakened to 18.99 to the US dollar on Wednesday morning, but it subsequently strengthened and was trading at 18.74 to the greenback at 5:00 p.m. Mexico City time, according to Bloomberg.
The last time the peso traded above 18.90 to the greenback was in March last year, while the last time it went above 19 was in January 2023.
The currency subsequently took a hit when Morena’s leader in the lower house of Congress announced that recently-elected lawmakers would seek to approve the judicial reform in September, and when President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum spoke on Monday about the ruling party’s legislative agenda.
Rogelio Ramírez de la O will stay on as Finance Minister “indefinitely” and has laid out a list of economic commitments endorsed by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum. (Claudia Sheinbaum/X)
Critics say that the plan to allow citizens to directly elect Supreme Court justices and some other judges, as well as some of AMLO’s other constitutional reform proposals, including one to disband a number of government autonomous agencies, will reduce the checks and balances on executive power in Mexico.
But she has been unable to stop the slide of the peso.
Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at the Mexican bank Banco Base, said on X on Wednesday that concerns over the proposed reforms and Mexico’s budget deficit — 5.9% of GDP in 2024 — “are now the main determiners of the movements of the peso.”
Victoria Rodíguez Ceja, the governor of the Bank of Mexico. (Cuartoscuro)
Siller also said the peso barely moved after a Bank of Mexico press conference at which Governor Victoria Rodríguez Ceja stressed that the fundamentals of the Mexican economy are strong and noted that the central bank could take steps to “reestablish orderly conduct” in markets if they show signs of “extreme volatility.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Banco Base analyst said that the probability of the peso depreciating to 20 to the dollar in the coming months had increased as a result of the “adverse scenario” that has “materialized” after the elections.
“New episodes of volatility between June and November can’t be ruled out as several events could generate aversion to risk about Mexico,” Siller wrote.
The analyst cited four events that could have an impact on the peso.
The Republican National Convention in July at which Donald Trump is set to be confirmed as the GOP’s 2024 presidential candidate. Siller said that Trump could make “comments against Mexico” related to the issues of migration, public security and trade and that “his attacks could continue until November,” when voters in the United States will elect their next president.
The commencement of the new Congress in Mexico on Sept. 1, when Morena and its allies will seek to approve the proposed judicial reform. If the reform is approved and “legal uncertainty for companies” follows, the peso will come under additional pressure, Siller said.
The commencement of the new government on Oct. 1, the date Sheinbaum will be sworn in as president. After that date, it will become known whether there is “distance” between López Obrador and Sheinbaum’s government, Siller said.
The United States elections on the first Tuesday in November. Siller said that a Trump victory “would represent a greater risk for Mexico” considering that a review of the USMCA free trade pact will take place in 2026. The review “could be used as a tool to pressure Mexico on other issues, like migration,” Siller said.
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum discussed the judicial reform and the Mexican economy at a press conference on Tuesday. (Cuartoscuro)
Investors in Mexico have “nothing to worry about,” President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday as she sought to calm concerns over a proposed judicial reform that will be considered by Congress later this year.
Markets have reacted nervously to the comprehensive victory of Sheinbaum and the ruling Morena party in the June 2 elections. The Mexican peso slumped to as low as 18.97 to the US dollar on Wednesday morning, a depreciation of over 10% compared to its pre-election level.
Sheinbaum met with President Loṕez Obrador on Monday. (Cuartoscuro)
After meeting with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Monday, Sheinbaum said that there would be “broad consultation” on the proposed judicial reform that would allow citizens to directly elect Supreme Court justices and some other judges.
The constitutional bill is set to be considered by the Congress in September, when Morena and its allies will have a supermajority in the lower house and a large majority in the Senate, putting them in a strong position to approve that proposal and others put forward by López Obrador in February.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Sheinbaum addressed investor concerns about the proposed judicial reform — which critics say will reduce checks on executive power — as well as other planned constitutional changes, including ones to disband a number of government autonomous agencies and overhaul Mexico’s electoral system.
“My message is that investors have nothing to worry about,” said the president-elect, who will be sworn in on Oct. 1.
Sheinbaum shared on her X account that she met with Kathryn McLay, President and CEO of Walmart International, on Monday, and also mentioned this at her Tuesday press conference as a show of confidence from investors. (Claudia Sheinbaum/X)
“So national and foreign investors have nothing to worry about, their investments in Mexico are safe, obviously within the framework of our laws,” she said.
“They have no reason to be concerned about a reform in the judicial power because it’s ultimately about building a better justice system for our country,” Sheinbaum said.
“.. The important thing to know for those who are going to invest in Mexico is that there is investment certainty in our country, there is social and political stability,” she said.
The president-elect expressed confidence that foreign companies will continue to relocate to Mexico as part of the growing nearshoring trend because the rule of law will continue to be respected, the economy is strong and the government will always be open to dialogue.
She has previously said that nearshoring will help drive significant economic growth during the 2024-30 presidential term, but has stressed that Mexico wants the kind of investment that generates “wellbeing” for its people.
Sheinbaum made similar remarks on Tuesday, saying that there is an “agenda” for the Mexican people and a planned “national project” to pursue.
Sheinbaum discusses trade, migration and security with US officials
Sheinbaum held her press conference on Tuesday after meeting with United States Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall.
Omar García Harfuch, who served as security minister in Mexico City during Sheinbaum’s mayorship, and Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s representative to the United Nations and the president-elect’s transition coordinator, also attended the meeting.
Sheinbaum told reporters that they discussed trade, migration, women’s issues and security – including the entry of firearms to Mexico from the U.S. – but didn’t reach any agreements.
Sheinbaum met with U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar (far right) and Homeland Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall on Tuesday to discuss the bilateral relationship, accompanied by Omar García Harfuch (far left) and Juan Ramón de la Fuente (left of center). (Ken Salazar/X)
She described the talks as “informal” and cordial. Sheinbaum said she expressed her “interest” in continuing with the high-level bilateral dialogue once she becomes president.
Sheinbaum also said she would maintain López Obrador’s focus on addressing the root causes of migration as a means to stem the flow of asylum seekers to the Mexico-U.S. border.
The current president has urged the United States government to allocate more resources to development programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Sheinbaum said “we will continue to insist on development cooperation” from the U.S.
The president-elect said on social media that Mexico would continue its “policy of friendship, dialogue and understanding” with the United States, adding that there would be “respect for our sovereignty.”
Ambassador Salazar said that he and Sherwood-Randall had “very good and friendly” talks with Sheinbaum and her team about the “ties between our nations and shared values, reaffirming our spirit of cooperation and that we are family.”
Displaced residents of Tila look on as family members negotiate with government authorities, who have told them they should return. Residents say they don't feel safe from the criminal groups who killed their neighbors and burned their buildings. They have been living in a nearby town since the weekend in an open-air sports court. (Cuartoscuro)
The nearly 4,200 residents who fled their town in Chiapas over the weekend due to an armed attack remain fearful of returning to their homes, despite government efforts to ensure their safety.
Over the weekend, pretty much the entire population of the municipality of Tila — a town less than 50 kilometers from the Palenque archaeological zone — left their homes after an attack by an armed group, the most egregious in what residents say has been continuous terrorizing of their town for months by two criminal groups in a turf war.
Surveillance footage published online captured the arrival of the armed attack’s perpetrators to Tila. (X)
According to the newspaper El Universal, 4,187 people left the town, which is located 1,090 meters above sea level about 230 kilometers from the state capital of Tuxtla Gutierrez. Photos distributed by state authorities showed people fleeing with just purses on their shoulders, or sometimes small backpacks or shoulder bags.
Authorities have set up camps for the displaced, but many, like Julio César Gómez, are reluctant to return despite a plan hatched by authorities on Tuesday.
“They tell us to return, but who can guarantee that we will be safe?” Gómez said from a sports court turned into a displaced persons’ camp in the nearby city of Yajalon.
“We will not return until we know that when we leave the house, they will not kill us,” said a 60-year-old man who identified himself only as Saúl.
A woman named María said that gangs have been trying to extort people “for months,” and that “anyone who doesn’t pay will be killed.”
“There is no solution in sight,” added Gómez, who said he witnessed armed gangs shooting up the town and burning his relatives’ homes.
The Mexican military arrived in Tila this weekend and eventually decided to evacuate the residents from their town for their safety. (Cuartoscuro)
The Digna Ochoa Human Rights Center has identified the group responsible for the violence as Autónomos, a criminal group linked to drug trafficking.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador described the situation as a conflict among locals, rooted in a longstanding land dispute. He noted that the Mexican army’s arrival over the weekend to help escort people out of town saved many families.
However, the displaced community remains skeptical of the protection offered by the military and National Guard, which ended up in a shootout with the Autónomos on Friday that left one soldier dead and one injured, according to the newspaper El Universal.
During an assembly in Yajalon, residents insisted on concrete guarantees for their safety and justice for those responsible for the violence. They criticized recent negotiations as lacking transparency and called for more effective, long-term security measures.
On June 4, dozens of fully armed people arrived in the Chiapas town by truck and began the attack on Tila, shooting at houses and places of business and burning buildings, witnesses said. Some reports said they were members of the Karma criminal group, which is reportedly in a turf war with the Autónomos group.
Most people in the town under attack then hid in their homes for three days.
The Tila ejido, collectively owned territory that is part of the National Indigenous Congress (CNI), reported that organized crime and political interests, supported by local authorities, were behind the violence.
The residents have long denounced the alleged impunity enjoyed by the local city council and have called for the restitution of disputed land.
The southern state of Chiapas has a history of conflict and displacement. In 1994, the Zapatista Indigenous rights movement’s uprising and subsequent fighting displaced thousands. The 1997 Acteal massacre also led to mass displacements.
Recent years have seen a slow but steady expulsion of residents due to land and religious disputes.
President López Obrador addressed the situation this week at a press conference. He said he has instructed government agencies to form a team to aid those affected. (lopezobrador.org)
The state prosecutor’s office reported arrests in connection with the recent violence, including six individuals caught with weapons. Despite that, the displaced remain wary of returning to what is now a ghost town.
López Obrador expressed regret over the situation and emphasized the need for unity among the town’s residents. He has instructed government agencies to form a team to aid the displaced victims, with several nearby camps providing food and other supplies.
Q1 2024 saw a total of 14.7 million international tourists enter Mexico. (Unsplash)
In the first quarter of 2024, international arrivals by air to Mexico increased by 19.9% compared to the same pre-pandemic period of 2019, according to a statement from Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco Marqués. Compared to 2023, international air arrivals are up 8.6%.
The passenger traffic on domestic flights also increased by 16.8%.
The Mexican airlines with the most international passenger traffic were Aeroméxico and Volaris, which together registered 4.31 million travelers. (Cuartoscuro)
Torruco also highlighted that between January and April 2024, the Mexican airlines with the most international passenger traffic were Aeroméxico and Volaris, which together recorded 4.31 million travelers. This figure represents 14.3% more than that recorded during the same period of 2023, and 36% more than in Q1 2019.
Meanwhile, American Airlines and United Airlines recorded the highest passenger flow to Mexico among U.S. airlines in the first quarter of 2024. Together, they transported 4.8 million passengers, up 7% compared to the same period of 2023 and 50% compared to Q1 2019.
The majority of international passengers traveling to Mexico are from North America, accounting for 87% of the total passenger traffic. In Q1 2024, over 10 million passengers traveled to Mexico from the United States, marking an 8.4% increase from the same period of 2023.
Mexican airlines transported 5.3 million international passengers, up 14.7% compared to the first quarter of 2023; Canadian airlines carried 2.3 million passengers, a 12.9% increase from the same period last year.
Meanwhile, 1.2 million passengers traveled to Mexico from Europe; 1.3 million from Central and South America and 98,992 passengers from Asia.
Based on the results of the International Traveler Survey published by the national statistics agency INEGI, Torruco said that Q1 saw a total of 14.7 million international tourists enter the country. These tourists spent US $11.6 billion in Mexico, up 7.7% compared to the same period of 2023. This figure also exceeds foreign exchange data for the same period in 2019 by 39.4%, which saw an expenditure of US $8.3 billion.
The Tourism Ministry recently reported that approximately 350,000 new jobs were created in the tourism sector in Q1 2024. (Martín Zetina/Cuartoscuro)
The average expenditure of international tourists arriving by air during January-April 2024 was US $1,238.1, an increase of 2.4% compared to 2023, and up 17.9% compared to 2019.
Last month, the INEGI reported that 7.5 million visitors entered the country in March, boosted by spring break tourism. This represented a 10.8% improvement over the same month in 2023.
Some of Mexico’s most-visited destinations include Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya, and Mexico City, home to Mexico’s busiest airport.
Puebla Governor Sergio Salomón and Audi México President Tarek Mashour at an event Tuesday announcing that Audi will invest US $1.08 billion in Puebla. (Facebook)
German automaker Audi will invest 1 billion euros (US $1.08 billion) in electric vehicle production in the state of Puebla, which was announced by Governor Sergio Salomón and company representatives on Tuesday.
Tarek Mashour, president of Audi Mexico, said that the investment in the Puebla Audi plant in San José Chiapa will allow it to begin producing fully electric cars in Audi’s e-tron line. It is not clear which models will be produced at the Puebla plant, although the facility — which currently employs 5,000 — already builds the Audi Q5 SUV plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The San José Chipila plant already produces Audi’s Q5 model and the Q5 hybrid SUV. (Audi)
Audi’s latest investment in Puebla will create up to 500 new jobs in the state.
Salomón said that the state government has a plan for training and educating specialized technicians to maintain Puebla’s role as an industrial cluster and a generator of qualified professionals.
According to Mashour, Audi will build the EV manufacturing unit into the San José Chiapa factory, which began operations in 2016. On Audi Mexico’s 10-year anniversary in 2023, the plant achieved the production of 1 million Audi Q5 units for the global market.
Audi Mexico aligns with the various programs promoted by its parent company in Germany, the Volkswagen Group, such as Audi’s environmental program Mission: Zero, which aims for worldwide carbon-neutral production at all Audi production sites by 2025. Last year, Audi said that the San José Chiapa plant was 80% compliant with that environmental goal.
In March, Audi Chief Executive Gernot Doellner told reporters at an event in Ingolstad, Germany that Audi is committed to bringing its last car with a combustion engine to market in 2026.
According to the national statistics agency INEGI, the automotive industry in Puebla grew 9.2% in vehicle manufacturing last year compared to 2022, thanks to Audi and Volkswagen’s production of 524,348 units.
The new investment by Audi in expanding the Puebla plant will generate 500 new direct jobs in Puebla, according to the state’s governor, Sergio Salomón. (Hilda Ríos/Cuartoscuro)
However, production levels in Puebla have yet to recover to pre-pandemic numbers, when both of the two plants produced a total of 600,075 cars.
Earlier this year, Volkswagen also announced a US $1 billion investment to increase production of electric vehicles.
Nissan is the market leader for car sales in Mexico, but the brand that saw the biggest annual increase in May sales was Porsche, with a 52.6% jump. (Porsche Mexico)
Car dealerships in Mexico had their best May in seven years last month, selling almost 120,000 new light vehicles, official data shows.
Meanwhile, new car sales in Mexico in the first five months of the year increased nearly 13% compared to the same period of last year.
The national statistics agency INEGI reported that 119,985 new light vehicles were sold in Mexico in May, a 12.35% increase compared to the same month last year.
It was the best car sales result for the month of May since 2017 and the second best monthly result this year after March, when 124,395 new cars were sold. The celebration of Mother’s Day on May 10 is one factor that likely contributed to the strong sales result last month.
In the first five months of 2024, a total of 585,721 new light vehicles were sold in Mexico, according to INEGI. The increase in percentage terms compared to the same period last year was 12.74%.
Guillermo Rosales, president of the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA), said that the sector has fully recovered from the pandemic-induced downturn in new car sales.
Car sales in Mexico (including manufactured in Mexico and imported) from May 2023 to May 2024. (INEGI)
The number of units sold between January and May was 9.7% higher than in the same period of 2019.
The AMDA is now forecasting that around 1.5 million light vehicles will be sold in Mexico this year, a figure that wouldn’t be far off the 1.6 million all-time high recorded in 2016.
Rosales noted that inflation for cars, at around 2%, is below the headline inflation rate, which was 4.69% in May. He said that the arrival of Chinese brands has increased competition in Mexico and helped keep prices down. Another factor incentivizing the purchase of new cars is that many buyers can access financing with favorable terms, Rosales said.
Which automakers sold the most cars between January and May?
Nissan was the market leader in Mexico in the first five months of the year, selling 100,733 new light vehicles, or 17.2% of the total number of vehicles sold in the country. The Japanese automaker’s sales in Mexico increased 6.9% compared to the January-May period of 2023.
Japanese car maker Nissan is one of the most prominent in the Mexican market. (Nissan México)
Ranking second to fifth for new car sales in Mexico in the first five months of the year were:
General Motors, whose sales increased 23.1% in annual terms to 83,020 units or 14.2% of the total.
Volkswagen, whose sales increased 23.2% annually to 52,866 units or 9% of the total.
Toyota, whose sales increased 24% annually to 47,643 units or 8.1% of the total.
Kia, whose sales increased 9.1% annually to 42,062 units or 7.2% of the total.
Over 55% of all new cars purchased in Mexico between January and May were made by the five automakers listed above. They all have plants in Mexico.
Ranking sixth to 10th for new car sales in Mexico in the first five months of the year were Stellantis, Mazda, Ford, Hyundai and MG Motors.
Which automakers recorded the biggest year-over-year increases in car sales?
Porsche recorded the biggest annual increase in the first five months of the year, selling 52.6% more cars than in the January-May period of last year. However, the German automaker’s sales were relatively low. They rose to 978 from 641 a year earlier.
Isuzu recorded a 43.2% increase in sales, while Honda sold 37.5% more cars than it did a year earlier.
Rounding out the top five were Ford and Mitsubishi, both of which recorded 27.2% annual increases in sales.
How are sales of Chinese cars going?
Sales by Chirey Motor and MG Motor both declined on a year-over-year basis in the first five months of the year, but JAC and Motornation increased the number of units they moved.
Chirey Motor, which includes the Chirey and Omoda brands, sold 11,683 light vehicles in Mexico between January and May, a 22.8% decline compared to the same period of last year.
MG Motor, formerly a British company, sold 20,402 units between January and May, a 7.5% decline compared to a year earlier. Despite the decline, MG was the No. 1 Chinese automaker by sales in Mexico in the first five months of the year.
MG Motors is the top-selling Chinese brand in Mexico, with over 20,000 units sold from January to May this year. (MG Motors/Instagram)
Sales by JAC increased 18.5% to 9,741 units, while Motornation, which includes the BAIC, JMC and Changan brands, recorded a 22.6% increase to 4,400 light vehicles.
Great Wall Motor, which didn’t begin selling cars in Mexico until last October, sold 5,245 units in the first five months of the year.
Just under 9% of all cars sold in Mexico between January and May were made by Chirey, MG Motor, JAC, Motornation and Great Wall Motor. None of those companies have plants in Mexico.
