January 9th, 2026

1. Nicolás Maduro is captured by Donald Trump’s administration, and Sheinbaum presents Mexico’s position
The US government, led by Donald Trump, carried out a military operation on Venezuelan territory that culminated in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, who had ruled the South American country since 2013. Following the capture, Trump assured that Venezuela would deliver between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to his country. The intervention was justified as an anti-drug operation, and after Maduro’s departure, Delcy Rodríguez took office as interim president of Venezuela. As president, she announced the release of “a significant number” of political prisoners, both Venezuelan and foreign, as a gesture by the government in the search for peace, as part of an agreement reached with countries in the region to ensure peace.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the Mexican government’s position, which rejects and condemns any type of intervention in Latin American territory. Following Maduro’s arrest, in an interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated his threats against Mexico in terms of security. In response, Sheinbaum asked Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente to seek a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the tensions and reduce the risk of a military deployment in Mexico.
El País: Sheinbaum responde a la última amenaza de Trump: “Es parte de su manera de comunicar. Vamos a estrechar la relación”
CNN: Última hora de Venezuela y de Maduro en EE.UU., en vivo: noticias, Trump y más
2. Inflation in Mexico in 2025 was 3.69% annually
Overall inflation in Mexico closed 2025 at 3.69% annually, its lowest level since 2020 (3.15%) and below market expectations, which projected 3.8%. This result was within the Bank of Mexico’s target range (3% +/- 1 percentage point), thanks to the slowdown in non-core prices, such as fruits and vegetables, which fell 5.62% annually due to favorable weather conditions. However, core inflation, which includes food, beverages, education, and services, remained high at 4.33%, driven by sectors such as education (5.82%), food and beverages (5.22%), and services (5.11%). In December, monthly inflation was 0.23%, the lowest for a last month of the year since 2012, reinforcing the slowdown trend observed in overall prices.
On the other hand, the national producer price index (INPP), which measures the evolution of prices of goods and services in national production, showed an annual increase of 2.06% in December, a significant slowdown compared to the 7.45% recorded in the same month of 2024. This behavior reflects lower increases in the prices of intermediate and final goods and services, with annual increases of 1.41% and 2.33%, respectively. The slowdown in producer prices and overall inflation within the target range could open up space for the Bank of Mexico to reduce its benchmark rate, currently at 7%, although the persistence of high core inflation could limit the speed of these adjustments.
La Jornada: Inflación en México en 2025 fue de 3.69% anual, la más baja desde 2020
3. Mexico reports a 40% decrease in intentional homicides
Claudia Sheinbaum reported a 40% reduction in intentional homicides between September 2024 and December 2025, which is equivalent to 34 fewer homicides per day and represents the lowest level since 2016. This progress is attributed to a coordinated security strategy between different levels of government, which included strengthening police capabilities and using intelligence to combat organized crime. Sheinbaum stressed that this achievement reflects her administration’s commitment to public safety, although she acknowledged that there are still significant challenges to overcome in order to guarantee the peace of mind of the population.
On the other hand, areas of opportunity were identified, such as the 2.3% increase in extortion cases during the same period, making the reduction of this crime a priority for 2026. In addition, the number of missing and unlocated persons showed an increase of 7.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, an issue that remains a critical challenge for the authorities. Despite progress in reducing homicides, authorities have indicated that they will continue to work on comprehensive strategies to address security and justice challenges, with a special focus on prevention and victim care.
El Financiero: Claudia Sheinbaum reporta baja en homicidios dolosos de 40%
4. Cofepris issues health alert and will recall certain batches of Nestlé brand infant formula in Mexico
Nestlé announced the preventive recall of four specific batches of 400-gram NAN Alfamino and Alfamino infant formula in Mexico due to the possible presence of cereulide toxin, produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. This toxin can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in infants, although no cases of illness have been reported so far. The measure, coordinated with Cofepris and part of a global effort in 37 countries, seeks to ensure consumer safety. Nestlé assured that other products of the brand are not affected and recommended that users suspend the use of the affected batches and consult a doctor if symptoms appear.
The company has made customer service channels available to consumers to verify batch numbers and arrange returns. This recall reflects Nestlé’s commitment to the quality and safety of its products, as well as its cooperation with health authorities to prevent any risk to public health. Cofepris, for its part, urged consumers to stay informed and follow the recommendations issued to avoid possible complications.
El Economista: ¿Qué se sabe del retiro de algunas fórmulas infantiles de Nestlé en México?
5. Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente opens the 2026 Meeting of Embassy and Consulate Heads
During the 37th Meeting of Embassy and Consulate Heads (REC) 2026, Claudia Sheinbaum outlined a foreign policy strategy for Mexican diplomats in 2026, urging them to embrace the historic moment of transformation the country is undergoing and to align their work with national objectives. She stressed the importance of embassies and consulates supporting this process from their respective headquarters, in an international context characterized by political tensions and geopolitical changes. The central pillars of the strategy include strengthening consular protection and assistance for Mexicans abroad, projecting changes in the country’s public life internationally, and reaffirming Mexico as an actor guided by constitutional principles.
The meeting, led by Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, served as a coordination space to define the short-term diplomatic strategy. During the meeting, an assessment of the activities carried out was presented and the priorities for the year were discussed, with an emphasis on attention to Mexican nationals and Mexico’s positioning on the global stage. This approach seeks to consolidate Mexico’s role as a relevant actor in international politics, while promoting the country’s values and internal transformations.
El Economista: Sheinbaum traza ruta de la política exterior ante diplomáticos mexicanos