A metal wall surrounds the National Palace before 8M

The government installs a steel fence around the political heart of the country a few days before the 8M marches.

Publicado 6 marzo, 2026 el 6 de marzo a las 11:28 | 2 mins reading |4,039 vistas | por Carlos Méndez

The stage is set for 8M

The metal fences are already here. Just three days before the great mobilization of International Women’s Day, the landscape in front of the National Palace changed radically. Steel barriers of more than two meters now fence off access to the symbolic heart of the executive branch.

It’s not just the Palace. The perimeter of the Metropolitan Cathedral, in the heart of the Zócalo, also received its preventive shielding. The visual message is clear and forceful: the government is not taking risks.

A warning come true

This was not a surprise. President Claudia Sheinbaum had announced it a day earlier, during her morning conference. She acknowledged progress in women’s rights, but also made her concern clear.

“The installation of the fences seeks to avoid confrontations,” explained Sheinbaum.

His argument is based on recent history. He pointed out that in previous marches “some groups have caused damage” in the historic site. It is the official justification for this logistical deployment that transforms the historic center into a fortress.

For many, these fences are more than physical barriers. They are a giant symbol of institutional distrust of the power of the feminist movement. They set the stage for what will undoubtedly be another intense chapter in the fight for women’s rights in Mexico.

The question that hangs in the air is simple: will this wall prevent conflicts or simply encapsulate them? On Friday we will know.

National

Massive security reinforcement and alcohol ban at the Azteca

56,000 police officers and alcohol restriction for the game at the Azteca.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 24 de junio a las 01:16 | 2 mins reading

Measures for the Mexico-Czech Republic match

The government of Mexico City announced an unprecedented security operation for this Wednesday’s game at the Azteca stadium. 56,000 personnel will be deployed, five times more than the 11,219 employed last week.

The decision responds to the celebrations of the previous Thursday, when some 700,000 people gathered in the capital after Mexico’s victory over South Korea. Although there were no injuries, nearly 40 tons of garbage were collected in the Ángel de la Independencia and the Zócalo.

The Secretary of Security, Pablo Vázquez, detailed that 7,500 police officers will guard the Azteca stadium. Another 3,275 will be in the Zócalo and 4,200 on Reforma Avenue. The objective is to protect players, referees, authorities and fans.

In addition, the Secretary of Government, César Cravioto, reported that starting at 3 p.m. on June 24, a ban on the sale of alcohol will take effect for sixteen hours. Applies to the Historic Center and five neighborhoods of Cuauhtémoc.

Sales will only be allowed in restaurants, hotels and private clubs, accompanied by food. Convenience stores and supermarkets are excluded. The fines for non-compliance amount to up to 293,275 pesos (about $17,251).

The Mexican Alliance of Transporters Organization (AMOTAC) called for mobilizations on highways in the 32 states and blockades in the capital to protest against the violence. The operation also considers these protests.

National

UNAM, new WHO collaborating center in oral health

The WHO recognizes UNAM as a reference in oral health and aging.

Publicado 3 hours ago el 24 de junio a las 01:02 | 1 min reading

International recognition for UNAM

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the Department of Oral Public Health of the UNAM Faculty of Dentistry as a Collaborating Center in Oral Health and Aging. The distinction is valid for four years.

With this appointment, the highest educational institution consolidates itself as a regional reference in the comprehensive care of older adults.

Implications of the appointment

The recognition will allow university specialists to participate in the development of public policies focused on improving the quality of life of the elderly.

In addition, they will promote strategies to promote among older adults and caregivers the importance of maintaining adequate oral health as an essential part of general well-being.

The designation places UNAM on a level of technical cooperation with the WHO, which opens opportunities to influence global guidelines on aging and oral health.

National

Digital sexual exploitation affects 1.6 million adolescents in Mexico

1.6 million adolescents in Mexico suffer online sexual exploitation every year.

Publicado 3 hours ago el 24 de junio a las 00:52 | 2 mins reading

The report reveals alarming figures

Unicef, ECPAT International and Interpol published the study “Disrupting Harm México”, which indicates that one in eight adolescent Internet users in the country – around 1.6 million – experienced sexual exploitation facilitated by digital technologies for a year.

67% of cases occurred online only, mainly on social networks and platforms. However, violence is not limited to the virtual sphere: in almost two out of every three situations, the victims knew their attackers, who were usually friends, partners or family members.

The report documents serious under-reporting. 32% of victims did not tell anyone what happened out of shame or fear, and less than 1% filed a formal complaint. This reflects normalization and silence around these attacks.

Consequences and call to action

In mental health, the consequences are profound. Those who suffered this type of violence are 15 times more likely to self-harm and 12 times more likely to have thoughts about their own death, compared to those who did not have that experience.

Fernando Carrera, Unicef representative in Mexico, asked to reinforce prevention and responsibility of digital platforms. Lorena Villavicencio Ayala, from SIPINNA, stated that the State must guarantee the safety of girls, boys and adolescents in digital environments.