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By: Teodoro Renteria Arroyave, Journalist and Writer.
It seems that diplomacy is undergoing a profound transformation, moving away from rigid formalities toward addressing issues directly and without euphemisms, whether in bilateral or multilateral contexts. In light of the threats publicly issued by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump against Mexico and Canada, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo responded with a letter that speaks for itself. Here, we reproduce it in full:
“Dear President-elect Donald Trump,
I am writing to you in response to your statement on Monday, November 25, regarding migration, fentanyl trafficking, and tariffs. You may not be aware that Mexico has implemented a comprehensive policy to address the needs of migrants from various parts of the world who cross our territory en route to the southern border of the United States. As a result, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have decreased by 75% from December 2023 to November 2024. Notably, half of those arriving at the border do so through legally scheduled appointments under the U.S. CBP One program. This has effectively ended the arrival of migrant caravans at the border.
Nonetheless, it is clear that we must work together to develop a new model for labor mobility, which is essential for your country, while also addressing the root causes that force families to leave their homes out of necessity. If even a fraction of what the U.S. spends on war were redirected toward peacebuilding and development, we could tackle the root causes of migration.
Regarding fentanyl, Mexico has consistently expressed its commitment to combating this epidemic in the U.S., which is fundamentally a consumption and public health issue within your society. This year alone, Mexico’s armed forces and prosecutors have seized tons of various drugs, 10,340 firearms, and arrested 15,640 individuals linked to drug-related violence. Our legislative branch is currently reviewing a constitutional reform to classify the production, distribution, and sale of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs as serious crimes, with no option for bail. However, it is widely known that the chemical precursors for these drugs are illegally imported from Asian countries into Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. International collaboration is urgently needed to address this.
You are surely aware of the illegal arms trafficking from the U.S. into Mexico. Seventy percent of illegal firearms seized from criminals in Mexico originate in your country. We do not manufacture these weapons, nor do we consume synthetic drugs. Tragically, the casualties from violence fueled by the demand for drugs in your country are on our side.
President Trump, threats and tariffs will not resolve migration issues or drug consumption in the U.S. What is needed is cooperation and mutual understanding to face these significant challenges. Imposing tariffs will only lead to retaliatory measures, jeopardizing shared industries. For instance, some of the main exporters from Mexico to the U.S. are General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford Motors Company, which have been operating in Mexico for 80 years. Why put these companies at risk with new taxes? Such actions would harm both nations, driving inflation and job losses.
I firmly believe that North America’s economic strength lies in preserving our commercial partnership. Together, we can remain competitive against other economic blocs. I consider dialogue to be the best path toward understanding, peace, and prosperity for our nations. I hope our teams can meet soon.
Sincerely,
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo
President of the United Mexican States”
In the Attic: In a record-breaking event, Congressman Pedro Haces was re-elected for a third and final term as Secretary General of the Confederación Autónoma de Trabajadores y Empleados de México (CATEM), currently the largest labor union in Mexico and Latin America, with over 7 million members. Haces emphasized the importance of passing the torch to new generations. Meanwhile, participants in Mexico’s first-ever historic election of judges, magistrates, and Supreme Court justices confirmed the success of the initiative. Official data showed a total of 49,398 registrants: 18,447 from the Executive Branch, 27,146 from the Legislative Branch, and a mere 3,805 from the Judiciary—raising questions about the latter’s low turnout.
About the Author: Teodoro Rentería Arróyave is a journalist and writer, President of the National College of Journalism Graduates (CONALIPE), and Social Development Secretary of the Latin American Federation of Journalists (FELAP). He is a founding and honorary life president of the Federation of Mexican Journalist Associations (FAPERMEX) and a permanent advisory council member of the Club Primera Plana. Rentería holds an Honorary Doctorate from the International University and is an Academic Member of the National Academy of History and Geography (ANHG). Feedback and comments can be sent to: teodororenteriaa@gmail.com. Tune in to Libertas Radio’s nationwide frequencies, and visit: www.felap.info, www.ciap-felap.org, www.fapermex.org, and the news portal: irradianoticias.com.
