Mexico in July 2026: the most important developments in politics
Mexico's politics in July 2026 centred on a tense relationship with the United States. On July 1 Washington renewed accusations that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel financed election campaigns and demanded evidence. On July 8 President Claudia Sheinbaum accused the United States of colluding with drug cartels, without giving specific evidence, while the government kept returning to the dispute over the US role in the capture of cartel boss "El Mayo" Zambada; officials said Mexican sovereignty was respected, and Ken Salazar answered Sheinbaum on the case on July 9. After an immigrant was fatally shot by US immigration agents, Sheinbaum vowed "legal measures", and on July 11 the government confirmed it will sue the United States over deaths caused by the agents. On July 17 the United States and the European Union rejected Mexico's complaints about immigration operations, and Mexico skipped an anti-terrorism summit in the US. On July 18 the United States returned Mexico's protest letters. Sheinbaum said on July 20 that Mexico keeps its dignity while cooperating with its northern neighbour, and that she would attend the World Cup.
The USMCA trade agreement was the second theme. On July 2 Mexican officials warned of a possible withdrawal after a US decision, and Mexico later sped up its review of the deal. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico aims to address US concerns about dependence during the talks. On July 17 Canada and Mexico agreed to team up against US auto tariffs, and on July 14 the European Council approved a trade agreement with Mexico.
Domestically, former Pemex chief executive Víctor Rodríguez was arrested on July 8. Sheinbaum said an arrest warrant would be issued for former Tamaulipas governor Francisco Cabeza de Vaca if he were in Mexico. The Supreme Court opened the door to the permanent removal of Frida Kahlo works from public display, and on July 16 Italy returned 27 pre-Columbian artifacts to Mexico.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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