MI’s Mexico Foreign Press Chatter – Jun. 5 2025

June 12, 2026
12:00 pm

Top stories on Mexico

The LA Times reported Wednesday that two Morena governors, Alfonso Durazo (Sonora) and Américo Villarreal (Tamaulipas), have had their US visas revoked and are under investigation for ties to organized crime. Sheinbaum – who had given a fiery nationalist speech on Sunday attacking US interventionism and defending Mexico’s sovereignty – said the governors must answer for themselves (both have denied wrongdoing) while also asserting again the moves are part of a broader campaign against Morena.

The New York Times published an opinion piece by analyst Carlos Bravo Regidor arguing that the indictment of Rocha Moya has put Sheinbaum in an “impossible dilemma” and has also given her an opportunity to utilise US pressure to confront criminal governance. Mr. Bravo’s column is surprisingly diplomatic in parts: namely the line that Rocha’s case only “hints at the possibility” that cartel power may have contaminated the ranks of Mexico’s governing party. Indeed. It may also have been somewhat overtaken by events. After Sheinbaum’s Sunday speech and AMLO’s subsequent letter, it seems increasingly clear which course she has chosen: to dig in, frame the issue as sovereignty, and resist what she presents as US meddling. The question now at this point is perhaps less what Sheinbaum will do, and more what Washington does in response.

In economic news, Bloomberg reported on the continued decline of investment in Mexico, but also on growing private capital interest in the Sheinbaum administration’s energy projects. One US energy executive noted a new “openness and receptiveness toward the private sector,” with his industry now “cautiously bullish” on Mexico. Bloomberg also profiles Fibra SOMA, the high-end real estate trust that among other luxury properties oversees Soho House CDMX, and shortly will be finishing another Soho House in Cabo San Lucas.

The World Cup countdown generated substantial foreign coverage. In Mexico City, CNTE teachers’ union protesters vandalised World Cup statues and snarled traffic; Sheinbaum donated her opening game ticket to a 21-year-old female football player from Veracruz; and the underground resale market for premium seats at the CDMX stadium (which are privately owned) is reportedly bringing in millions of pesos. Guadalajara — capital of the “birthplace of tequila” and home turf of the CJNG — also drew attention, with Bloomberg profiling crime in the city (considered unlikely to affect tourists), and a more in-depth story by guest reporter Stephen Woodman for CrashOut Media.

In crime news, The Guardian examined the ongoing extortion crisis, and a drug trafficking tunnel was discovered beneath a retail storefront in San Diego. Bloomberg also covered the arrest of the mayor of Cuautla, the latest in the “Enjambre” operation, which has netted more than 85 officials since 2024, many on extortion charges.

On the cultural front, the LA Times covered a sold-out LALIFF screening of a documentary about a Palestinian-Mexican family, with Mexican-American actress and Palestinian rights activist Melissa Barrera as executive producer. The paper also reviewed Diego Luna’s new film Mexico ‘86, described as “acidly humorous,” which premieres today on Netflix.

Notable blogs in English on Mexico

As previously mentioned, reporter Stephen Woodman wrote for CrashOut Media this week about the history of Guadalajara as a crime hub, and how families of missing people hope to utilise the World Cup to bring attention to their plight. In the context of what looks like a right-wing victory in Colombia, The Mexico Political Economist published an excerpt from the director’s book about the Mexican right and how it has missed out on the regional trend. And Miranda Intelligence’s daily Substack covered key developments in energy, fintech, public affairs and politics in Mexico.

Crashout Media – Guadalajara World Cup Venue: City of Culture; Capital of Organized Crime
MXPE – Mexico may soon stand alone as America’s only left-wing power. Where’s the Mexican right?
Miranda Intelligence daily reports on Substack

Photo of the week

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, right, and amateur soccer player Yolett Cervantes reach to catch a soccer ball during a ceremony distributing tickets to the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, at the president’s daily news conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)