President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico was recently groped by a man during a public appearance in Mexico City, raising concerns about both presidential security and the pervasive issue of sexual harassment faced by women in the country. The incident, captured on video, shows the man attempting to kiss and embrace the president before being stopped by a government official and later arrested. This event underscores the security risks Sheinbaum faces, given the delayed intervention from her security detail, and highlights the broader context of violence against public officials, including the recent killing of a mayor and numerous other targeted attacks. The incident may prompt a reevaluation of Sheinbaum’s approach to security, which currently mirrors her predecessor’s preference for public interaction and lighter security measures.
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The White House is claiming war powers restrictions do not apply to the recent military strikes on alleged drug traffickers, despite the 60-day window stipulated by the War Powers Resolution having closed. This assertion is based on the argument that the strikes do not constitute “hostilities,” a stance that could allow the government to continue these actions without congressional approval. Critics argue that this interpretation is a legal abuse, and further, could expand the scope of military action without congressional oversight, including potential action against Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is moving to send troops into Mexico.
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The Trump administration is reportedly planning ground operations on Mexican soil against drug cartels, with personnel from the Pentagon’s Joint Special Operations Command and the CIA already in training. These covert missions, if authorized, would involve drone strikes and represent a significant escalation in the ongoing “armed conflict” with cartels, which the President has deemed “unlawful combatants”. This development follows the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and the declaration of an “armed conflict,” potentially further complicating relations with the Mexican government, who has stated they will not permit unilateral action by American military personnel. While discussions continue on the scope of the missions, the operations, if approved, would be conducted under Title 50, providing a legal framework for covert intelligence activities.
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Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, known for his strong stance against drug cartels, was fatally shot at a Day of the Dead celebration. Manzo had been critical of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s approach to combating cartel violence and vowed not to back down. Following his death, Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced an investigation, vowing there would be no impunity for those responsible. Manzo’s security detail was comprised of handpicked officers and National Guard members, and he was known as the “Mexican Bukele” for his tough-on-crime approach.
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The Trump administration is reportedly planning a new mission involving U.S. troops and intelligence officers operating inside Mexico to target drug cartels. Early training for this potential operation, including ground operations, has commenced, although a deployment is not imminent. The mission would involve drone strikes and operate under the authority of the U.S. intelligence community, potentially circumventing direct coordination with the Mexican government. This shift represents a departure from previous administrations’ support roles and could escalate the military campaign against cartels in the Western Hemisphere.
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President Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman to lead Mexico’s independence celebrations in over two centuries, delivered a strong message emphasizing national sovereignty. During the traditional “grito” ceremony and a subsequent military parade, she declared that Mexico would not accept foreign intervention or interference. These statements come amidst ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding drug cartels and border security, where the U.S. has sought increased action. Sheinbaum has rejected the idea of U.S. troops and maintained that Mexico’s actions against cartels are driven by national interests, despite pressure from the U.S.
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Violence erupted in Mexico’s senate following a heated discussion concerning the presence of foreign troops. Opposition leader Alejandro “Alito” Moreno initiated a physical altercation with senate president Gerardo Fernández Noroña, escalating to include shoving and grabbing. The incident unfolded after a contentious debate where the ruling party accused the opposition of inviting US military intervention, a claim the opposition denied. In response to the violence, the senate leader plans to propose expelling Moreno and other lawmakers and has filed a criminal complaint.
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The recent murder of Ernesto Barajas, a musician known for singing about drug lords, highlights the ongoing violence related to Mexico’s drug cartels. This incident is part of a broader trend of violence targeting performers of “narco-corridos,” a musical genre that glorifies drug cartels. In response, the Trump administration has been taking action, including revoking visas of musicians and sanctioning those with alleged ties to cartels. These actions could be interpreted as a push for additional military aid to Mexico.
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Jil McIntosh is a seasoned freelance writer with over 35 years of experience, currently contributing to Driving.ca since 2016. Her expertise spans new-vehicle reviews, automotive technology, and a passion for antique cars, with a specialization in “How It Works” columns. McIntosh is a voting member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and a juror for the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards. Throughout her career, she has written for numerous publications and has received several accolades, including the AJAC Journalist of the Year award in 2016.
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A recent report released by Mexico’s national statistics agency revealed that former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s welfare policies significantly reduced poverty. During his six-year term, the number of Mexicans living below the poverty line decreased by 13.4 million, a nearly 26% reduction, and extreme poverty also declined. These achievements were largely due to initiatives like increased minimum wage and cash transfers for the elderly and other vulnerable groups. However, the report also highlighted a substantial increase in the number of people without access to healthcare, indicating that despite progress, challenges remain.
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John Q. Hosedrinker