🚨💀 US Ambassador Salazar Criticizes Mexico’s Security Strategy, Mexico Sends Diplomatic Note
🌽🇲🇽 Ebrard Predicts Mexico May Lose Dispute with US Over GMO Corn and Glyphosate Ban 🚨🇺🇸 1 Million Migrants on Temporary Protections at Risk as Trump Eyes Possible Rollbacks
🏛️📉 Texas Lawmakers Target Property Tax Cuts, Abortion Rights, and Gender Policies for 2025 Session
Pooja Salhotra and Texas Tribune Staff, The Texas Tribune.- On the first day of bill filing for Texas' 2025 legislative session, lawmakers introduced over a thousand proposals, reflecting the state's political landscape. Among the most significant, several bills aim to lower property taxes, with proposals ranging from eliminating them entirely to using state surpluses for tax relief. In the realm of abortion rights, Democrats pushed for expanded access, including exceptions for mental health, while Republicans continue to advance stringent anti-abortion measures. Lawmakers also filed bills addressing LGBTQ+ rights, including restrictions on gender-affirming care and school policies. On public education, debates over school vouchers and educational content and proposals for changes in the state's higher education policies continue. Texas legislators have set the stage for a highly contentious session with these initial filings, marking a clear divide in policy priorities.
🚨🇺🇸 1 Million Migrants on Temporary Protections at Risk as Trump Eyes Possible Rollbacks
Maribel Hidalgo, Associated Press.- Over a million immigrants in the U.S., including Venezuelans, Haitians, and Salvadorans, rely on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to remain in the country legally, following unsafe conditions in their home countries. However, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to scale back the use of TPS, which could lead to mass deportations. Many TPS beneficiaries, such as Maribel Hidalgo, worry about the potential loss of this protection after the end of the Biden administration. TPS provides legal stay and work rights for individuals from countries experiencing disasters or violence, but the designation can be terminated anytime. Trump’s administration could challenge the TPS program, creating uncertainty for hundreds of thousands who have built their lives in the U.S. amidst dangerous conditions back home. Advocates warn that stripping these protections would cause economic and humanitarian disasters.
⛪️🇺🇸 Trump’s Victory Shapes Catholic Bishops’ Focus on Abortion and Immigration Policies
Tiffany Stanley, Associated Press.- As U.S. Catholic bishops meet in Baltimore for their fall conference, President-elect Donald Trump's victory casts a long shadow over their key policy concerns, particularly abortion and immigration. While Catholic teaching prioritizes the protection of life and humane treatment of migrants, Trump’s mixed stance on abortion and his hardline immigration policies present challenges for Catholic leaders. Trump has embraced anti-abortion rhetoric but has been inconsistent on national abortion bans, leaving the issue to state decisions. On immigration, his promises of mass deportations and border control efforts raise significant concerns for bishops, especially those serving along the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite these challenges, bishops remain committed to promoting immigration reform and upholding pro-life values, with some hopeful that new leadership in the Trump administration could result in a more balanced approach to both issues.
🚨💀 US Ambassador Salazar Criticizes Mexico’s Security Strategy, Claims Violence Denial Hinders Cooperation
María Verza, AP.- On November 13, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar sharply criticized the Mexican government's handling of cartel violence, stating that Mexico "closed the doors" on security cooperation after the arrest of cartel leaders in the U.S. Salazar argued that the government's refusal to accept U.S. assistance in fighting drug cartels, particularly under the "hugs, not bullets" policy of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has failed. He pointed to the widespread violence in states like Sinaloa, citing recent mass killings, and criticized the downplaying of crime by Mexican officials. Salazar also mentioned Mexico’s rejection of $32 million in U.S. aid for police training. The ambassador’s remarks came amidst growing tensions over Mexico’s security situation, as incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to continue López Obrador's policies despite rising violence and cartel conflicts.
🇲🇽📑 Mexico Sends Diplomatic Note Over US Ambassador Salazar's Criticism of AMLO's Security Strategy
Carlos Álvarez Acevedo, Semanario Zeta.- On November 13, 2024, Mexico's Foreign Ministry sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. Embassy following remarks by U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar criticizing the security strategy of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Salazar had previously stated that the "abrazos, no balazos" (hugs, not bullets) approach, aimed at reducing violence, had failed and criticized the Mexican government's denial of the ongoing security crisis. He also expressed frustration with the cessation of U.S. financial support for Mexico's security efforts, accusing the López Obrador administration of halting vital assistance. The Mexican government responded, highlighting its dissatisfaction with the ambassador’s comments, emphasizing that Mexico would continue pursuing its policies, particularly in sovereignty and the rule of law. The diplomatic note marks a continued period of strained relations between Mexico and the U.S. amid rising tensions over policy differences.
🌽🇲🇽 Ebrard Predicts Mexico May Lose Dispute with US Over GMO Corn and Glyphosate Ban
Carlos Álvarez Acevedo, Semanario Zeta.- On November 13, 2024, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, predicted that Mexico could lose its ongoing dispute with the U.S. over genetically modified (GMO) corn and glyphosate. This dispute, arising from Mexico’s February 2023 decree banning the import, use, and promotion of GMO corn for human consumption and animal feed, is being resolved under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC). While a preliminary ruling was issued, Ebrard confirmed that the final decision is expected by December 14, 2024. The issue has sparked concerns from U.S. agricultural producers, particularly in states like Iowa and Ohio, where the vast majority of corn is genetically modified. The dispute continues amid Mexico's firm stance on food self-sufficiency and the new government’s resistance to allowing GMO corn cultivation. U.S. lawmakers have pressured their administration to address the issue with Mexico’s new leadership.
Buckle up - relations between the U.S. & Mexico are going to get a whole lot rockier once the new administration takes office in Washington.