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1. Trump maintains migration pressure but respects USMCA framework

The White House clarified that Mexico and Canada are exempt from the 10% base tariff announced by the U.S. on global imports. Despite initial confusion attributed to the Treasury Secretary, both countries will retain preferential access under the USMCA, as long as products meet the agreement’s rules of origin. Non-compliant goods will be subject to a 25% tariff, except for Canadian energy and potash products, which face a 10% rate.

This policy aligns with the Trump administration’s ongoing pressure on migration and drug trafficking, areas in which both partners have been criticized for “insufficient cooperation.” The measure is part of a broader strategy of reciprocal and differentiated tariffs aimed at conditioning trade relations on national security and border control priorities.

El Economista: México y Canadá se mantienen sin cambios en aranceles: Casa Blanca

2. U.S. Senate confirms Ronald Johnson as Ambassador to Mexico

The U.S. Senate confirmed Ronald Johnson as the new ambassador to Mexico, with a 49–46 vote along party lines. Johnson, a former CIA agent and former ambassador to El Salvador, is aligned with Trump’s immigration agenda and has experience in conflict zones such as the Balkans and Central America. His appointment comes amid renewed bilateral tensions over tariffs and border security.

In Mexico, the nomination has raised concerns following reports of possible unilateral U.S. military actions against drug cartels. President Claudia Sheinbaum categorically rejected any foreign armed intervention and proposed a constitutional reform to safeguard national sovereignty. Johnson’s confirmation is seen as a sign of continuity in Trump’s foreign policy toward Mexico.

La Jornada: Confirma Senado a Ron Johnson como nuevo embajador de EU en México

3. Mexico calls for strengthening Latin American unity at CELAC meeting

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, participated in the IX CELAC Summit in Tegucigalpa, where she emphasized the importance of promoting greater economic integration in the region. She proposed organizing a Summit for the Economic Wellbeing of Latin America and the Caribbean, focused on regional cooperation and shared prosperity.

Additionally, Sheinbaum addressed migration from a humanist perspective, highlighting the need to tackle the structural causes of inequality, unemployment, and violence. In her speech, she also rejected economic blockades against countries such as Cuba and Venezuela, reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to self-determination and peaceful conflict resolution. The summit brought together various Latin American leaders to strengthen unity and regional cooperation.

Proceso: Sheinbaum propone a la Celac organizar una Cumbre por el Bienestar

4. Senate Approves the Appointment of 56 Electoral Judges in Mexico

The Senate of Mexico approved the appointment of 56 judges for local electoral tribunals in 30 federal entities, following an initial failed attempt. The final vote ended with 86 votes in favor, 34 against, and one abstention. The judges, who will serve for seven years, will fill vacancies in states such as Aguascalientes, Baja California, and Mexico City.

However, some opposition senators criticized the lack of thorough evaluation of the candidates and warned about the risk of the majority imposing hegemonies in local electoral processes.

El Economista: Nombra Senado a 56 magistrados electorales

5. Mexico Senate Rejects UN Report on Forced Disappearances

The Mexican Senate has called for the dismissal of Olivier de Frouville, president of the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances, following his claims that forced disappearances are a systematic practice in the country. Legislators argue that these claims are unfounded, asserting that the disappearances are the result of criminal organization activities rather than state policy. The Senate also emphasized that it will continue to cooperate with the UN but believes that Frouville has made unsupported accusations.

In contrast, the UN Committee has clarified that its investigation is based on evidence indicating that forced disappearances in Mexico are both widespread and systematic. Despite the Mexican government’s negative stance, several civil organizations have supported the activation of the CED’s procedure, stressing the state’s responsibility to investigate these crimes and prevent impunity. NGOs argue that denying this reality only perpetuates violence and a lack of justice.

El Financiero: Senado solicita a ONU sanción a Frouville por declaraciones sobre desapariciones en México