North Miami-Dade News

Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) have introduced a congressional resolution expressing significant concerns over proposed constitutional reforms in Mexico that would substantially alter the nation's judicial system.

“The reforms proposed by the current government threaten to take Mexico back to the days of one-party rule,” said Rep. Salazar. “Mexico is an important ally and partner of the United States – we must remain committed to ensuring the independence of the Mexican judiciary from populist attacks.”

“As a border state, Arizona benefits in so many ways from our close relationship with Mexico. However, I’m deeply concerned that the proposed constitutional reforms will jeopardize this shared economic and security interest—particularly commitments made in the USMCA and efforts to counter cross-border crime,” said Rep. Stanton. “Our bipartisan resolution respectfully calls on our Mexican counterparts to weigh these concerns as they move forward.”

The reforms, led by outgoing Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, mandate constant elections for every judge, appeals court member, and justice in the Supreme Court. This new system could potentially increase cartel influence over judicial decisions. The lower house of Mexico’s Congress approved the reforms on September 4, 2024, followed by Senate approval yesterday.

These changes may also complicate business operations for American companies in Mexico. The resolution follows a bipartisan letter sent last week by Reps. Salazar and Stanton along with 10 Members of Congress to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, highlighting concerns that these reforms could violate terms of the USMCA.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.