Daily: Mexico Political 29.01.2026

FEATURED STORY

Armed Attack on Movimiento Ciudadano Legislators in Culiacán Leaves Two Wounded

• State legislators Sergio Torres Félix and Elizabeth Rafaela Montoya Ojeda from opposition MC party were shot multiple times on January 28 at approximately 12:00 PM while traveling in downtown Culiacán, minutes after leaving the State Congress.
• Governor Rubén Rocha Moya immediately ordered Security Secretary Oscar Rentería Schazarino to deploy search-and-capture operations, while the federal Security Cabinet established a specialized intelligence cell to expedite identification of perpetrators. National MC leader Jorge Álvarez Máynez condemned what he characterized as a crisis of impunity and violence in Sinaloa that "has exceeded all limits," demanding justice. The attack occurred one day after Torres publicly denounced alleged political interference in union elections at Culiacán's municipal workers' union, adding a political dimension to the incident.

Mexico-US Launch High-Level Trade Dialogue on USMCA Review

• Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard met 28 in Washington with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, marking the first in-person engagement of 2026 on USMCA's mandatory review. Both countries acknowledged substantial progress in recent months and agreed to initiate formal discussions on structural reforms, including stricter rules of origin for key industrial goods, enhanced critical minerals collaboration, external trade policy alignment to combat dumping, and supply chain security.
• The USTR statement confirmed discussions will address Section 232 tariffs, automotive industry evolution, bilateral export-import flows, critical minerals access, and supply chain resilience. Ebrard said Mexico's record $664.07 billion in 2025 exports—a 7.6% increase outpacing global goods trade growth of 6%—attributing success to confidence in Mexico, corporate strength, and preferential US market access. He characterized the delegation as "optimistic and resolute" while cautioning that Trump administration holds until July 1 to trigger treaty renewal, with Mexico preparing responses to 54 commercial demands from Washington.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH & PRESIDENCY

Three Arrested in Connection with Salamanca Massacre

• Authorities detained three individuals linked to the January 25 soccer field massacre in Loma de Flores, Salamanca, where 11 people were killed and 12 wounded. Operations conducted Monday and Tuesday resulted in arrests of two men and one woman, along with seizure of three vehicles and evidence subject to forensic analysis. Governor Libia García confirmed "clear advances in investigative lines" regarding motives, while withholding specifics pending formal charges.
• Federal intelligence indicates the attack targeted members of a private security firm linked to Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), with preliminary lines pointing to CSRL's "Los Marros" cell commanded by Mario Eleazar Lara Belman (aliases "El Negro," "Camorro," "Gallo"), a high-priority target facing arrest warrants for qualified homicide, kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, and forced disappearance. Authorities emphasize their commitment extends beyond containment to full prosecution and judicial sanctions, as Guanajuato recorded over 2,500 homicides in 2025—Mexico's highest state total.

Judge Grants Definitive Suspension to Ex-Admiral in Fuel Theft Case

• Judge Rubén Noguera granted definitive suspension to retired Rear Admiral Fernando Farías, halting detention orders issued by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) for allegedly heading a fuel theft network. The ruling places Farías under District Court jurisdiction but neither absolves him nor determines innocence. The case involves investigations into illegal hydrocarbon trafficking networks that include his nephews, the Farías brothers. A day ago, Farías sent a letter to President Sheinbaum asking for help. The President said she has not formally received the letter.

President Sheinbaum Highlights Enhanced Attorney General Coordination in Security Cabinet

• President Sheinbaum said that Attorney General Ernestina Godoy Ramos attends weekly Security Cabinet meetings—a shift from her predecessor Alejandro Gertz Manero's approach. Sheinbaum said these daily 6 AM sessions enable comprehensive analysis of crime incidence nationally and in specific states, strengthening interinstitutional coordination for security strategy implementation.

FOREIGN POLICY

Foreign Ministry Denies Political Use of US Consular Network

• Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente categorically rejected allegations in Peter Schweizer's book "The Invisible Coup" suggesting Mexican consulates in the US engage in political activities or protests to influence American politics. The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to non-intervention and respect for foreign sovereignty, clarifying that consular functions are limited to assistance on matters such as passport issuance, protection of Mexican nationals, and promotion of cultural and economic relations.

Canada Completes Internal USMCA Consultations

• Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada has finalized internal consultations on USMCA and stands ready for trilateral negotiations with the US and Mexico, though acknowledging "much work remains" for the review. The statement coincided with provincial premiers' meetings to define a common negotiating position on the trade agreement.

Sheinbaum Clarifies Cuba Humanitarian Aid Continues Through Dual Channels

• President Sheinbaum confirmed Mexico maintains humanitarian aid to Cuba through two channels: State oil company PEMEX commercial contracts and direct humanitarian support. She clarified confusion arose from misinterpretation of statements about a potential suspension. Cuban Ambassador to Mexico, Johana Tablada de la Torre, expressed gratitude to supporters while accusing the US of persecuting commercial operations involving Cuba, though she declined to confirm any pause in petroleum shipments.

Brazil to Expand Trade Agreement with Mexico

• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced plans to expand commercial agreements with Mexico during the 2026 International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to strengthen regional integration and diversify economic relations, particularly with Europe, amid geopolitical tensions. Lula highlighted innovations including the Pix digital payment system and academic exchange programs.

Political Parties

MORENA and Coalition Partners PT, and PVEM Reaffirm 2027 Electoral Alliance Amid Strains about the Elector Reform

• The ruling coalition formally committed to maintaining their alliance for 2027 midterm elections during "The Transformation Stronger Than Ever" event. MORENA President Luisa María Alcalde, PT leader Alberto Anaya, and PVEM head Karen Castrejón emphasized unity to guarantee President Sheinbaum's transformation project continuity, prioritizing Mexico's interests. Notably, the joint declaration avoided mentioning the Electoral Reform that Congress will debate in February and must approve by March, despite PT's public criticisms of the proposal.
• Previously, on her morning conference, President Sheinbaum assured that the majority will support the electoral reform aimed at reducing election costs, stating the final version will align with citizen demands and undergo debate in both legislative chambers.

MORENA Opens Door to the Reelection for All Elected Positions in 2027

• National MORENA President Alcalde announced the party will permit reelection for all popularly elected offices in 2027, though candidates seeking consecutive terms must demonstrate citizen support through internal polls and align with party guidelines. New rules will prohibit nepotism to prevent abuses. This marks a significant shift in candidate selection processes ahead of the midterms.

México Tiene Vida Surpasses PAN in Membership

• The ultraconservative organization México Tiene Vida (VIDA) exceeded the opposition PAN party in registered members, with 280,000 validated affiliates versus PAN's 273,537—a significant setback for the traditional opposition party now facing challenges to maintain its electoral registry with the National Electoral Institute (INE). VIDA's values-focused platform and growing support position it as a potential new national political party.

Somos México Advances Toward National Party Registry

• The Somos México organization reported surpassing 200,000 affiliates with one month remaining before the registration deadline. While 256,000 affiliates are required, the organization targets 300,000 by late February to secure participation in 2027 elections, framing their effort as recovering democracy in the country.

Local Politics

Ex-Husband of Baja California Governor Denies Organized Crime Allegations

• Carlos Torres, ex-husband of Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmedo, issued a video statement denying anonymous accusations of participating in arms trafficking and money laundering networks. Torres demanded a formal investigation and presentation of evidence, emphasizing accusations originated from "a person without name or face" while expressing willingness to cooperate with authorities.

Article 19 Demands Campeche Governor End Press Attacks

• Press freedom organization Article 19 called on Campeche Governor Layda Sansores to halt attacks on journalists and comply with freedom of expression protections. The statement denounced a hostile climate toward media professionals, highlighting stigmatizing comments and judicial harassment cases including journalist Jorge Luis González who faced multiple legal proceedings. The NGO criticized the use of public resources in smear campaigns against reporters, stressing the need for a democratic environment respecting free journalism.