Semarnat prohibits mining in natural areas without environmental permit

President Claudia Sheinbaum did not rule out the possibility of building new penitentiary centers to address overcapacity in the country’s prisons. However, he clarified that any decision will depend on the availability of public resources.

During her conference in Toluca, the president explained that the federal government is working on several alternatives to reduce overcrowding. Once the comprehensive proposal is ready, it will be presented publicly.

Alternatives under evaluation

Sheinbaum explained that one of the measures includes early release mechanisms for people deprived of their liberty who meet the legal requirements. This would apply especially to older adults or those who, due to different circumstances, can access this benefit.

“One part has to do with early releases of those people of legal age or those whose release is feasible for different reasons. And the other is expanding the spaces. We are working on that and when we already have a proposal, we can present it to you,” he explained.

Asked if the government is analyzing the construction of new prisons, Sheinbaum responded that this option remains on the table. “It could be, it could be. The issue is the resources, how we would obtain them, but the objective is that there is no overcapacity in the penitentiary centers,” he stated.

The announcement comes in a context where Mexican prisons register high rates of overcrowding. The search for solutions combines punitive measures with reintegration alternatives, in a balance that will depend on the available budget.

President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that this Thursday she will receive Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative (USTR), at the National Palace. The meeting will address the bilateral economic relationship, in a context of expectation for possible new tariffs from the US government.

Key meeting at the National Palace

Regarding Greer’s statements about the preparation of tariffs for approximately 60 countries, Sheinbaum called to wait for Washington’s definition. He explained that the scheme is linked to a new application of trade sanctions.

“We are going to wait, but this application of tariffs has to do with a new form that they call 301; it is a sanction scheme that has to do with tariffs that President Trump imposed at the time,” he said.

The president recalled that, during the implementation of the so-called reciprocal tariffs, Mexico was left out of these measures thanks to the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC). The levies applied to products not covered by the trade agreement.

Arguments from Mexico to avoid tariffs

Sheinbaum reported that the Ministry of Economy already presented the Mexican government’s arguments to the US authorities last week to avoid the imposition of new tariffs.

“The Ministry of Economy, last week, if I remember correctly, went to give all the arguments why there should not be higher tariffs on Mexico, but we are going to wait,” he stated.

From her morning conference in Toluca, State of Mexico, the president indicated that the meeting will be held in the morning, although she did not specify the exact time. “I am going to receive Ambassador Greer at the National Palace. In the morning, I still don’t have the time, but in the morning,” he concluded.

Possible extradition of “El Mayo” Zambada

The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, reported that the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) could analyze the extradition of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The leader of organized crime expressed his desire to serve his sentence in Mexico.

During President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning conference in Toluca, García Harfuch declared:

“It would have to be determined by the Attorney General’s Office if extradition is requested.”

The official also clarified that so far no assets have been secured directly in Zambada’s name. “A large number of accounts, properties, especially frozen UIF accounts have been secured, but not directly in his name,” he explained.

Regarding the assets of the criminal organizations, he added: “Not specifically in his name, yes, a considerable amount of accounts and properties have belonged to the criminal organizations.”

The statement occurs within the framework of the legal process of Zambada, who was detained in the United States and is now seeking to be tried in Mexico. The final decision will rest with the FGR.