Mexico: Elections, Violence, and Techactive

The National Electoral Institute (INE) in the state of Coahuila has stated that it does not participate in, promote, or authorize the placement of banners, signs, billboards, or any other type of propaganda created by organizations, groups, or political actors that incorporate QR codes linked to the "Locate Your Polling Place" system. In a statement, the INE noted that in recent days, the dissemination of propaganda materials created by various groups has been observed, and these materials include a QR code that directs users to the Institute's public platform for locating polling places. The INE emphasized that "it did not produce, finance, distribute, or place these materials." Also read: Profepa conducts operation against illegal wildlife trafficking; rescues 11 specimens. The INE reiterated that all official communications intended for citizens are disseminated exclusively through its official channels, verified digital platforms, and materials clearly identified with the institutional emblem, in accordance with the principles of impartiality, neutrality, and maximum transparency that govern the electoral function. The INE explained that the "Locate Your Polling Place" system is a public informational tool, whose sole purpose is to facilitate for citizens the geographical location of the polling place where they can exercise their right to vote on June 7th, in the election to renew the Congress of Coahuila. Furthermore...

Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña defended his friend and fellow party member, Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa who is currently on leave, stating that the accusations against him are politically motivated to harm Morena in next year's elections and to pressure a review of the USMCA (formerly known as the T-MEC). On social media, the former Senate president said that so far, the United States government has not provided any evidence that Rocha Moya or the other nine officials and former officials of Sinaloa accused of involvement with drug trafficking are actually involved. "It has been almost two weeks, and they still haven't sent any evidence. We are not defending or justifying anything. We are simply saying that it is now clear that this is a political attack," he asserted. Also read: Morena has become a "narco party," accuses Jorge Romero regarding the Rocha Moya case; warns of a pattern of criminal infiltration. "So far, everything indicates interference in the 2027 electoral process, an intention to weaken our movement, and to create tension within the framework of the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement, which is a way the United States government uses to try to gain an advantage," he accused. Fernández Noroña pointed out that in Mexico, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) has open investigations into both Rocha Moya and the rest of the people who have been implicated. "The matter is proceeding through the national channels..."

LOS MOCHIS.- This Thursday, a fire broke out at the Plaza Fiesta Las Palmas shopping mall, located in the city of Los Mochis, in northwestern Mexico. The fire resulted in five fatalities and over 40 injuries. According to unofficial reports from the local media outlet Milenio, the fire reportedly started around 2:00 PM in the kitchen area of one of the stores within the shopping mall. Authorities stated that the material damage is estimated to be in the millions. Initial investigations determined that the rapid spread of the flames was due to the proximity of the fire's origin to stores selling clothing and toys, which fueled the fire with highly flammable materials. Another report from the local media indicated that several merchants and customers of the shopping mall reported that the internal fire suppression system never activated. The fire prompted the response of the local fire department and police. In addition, due to the magnitude of the fire, state and federal forces also participated in efforts to contain the flames. According to authorities, at least five people died, and more than 40 were injured. Witnesses reported that a large column of smoke was visible from various points in the city. Inside the shopping mall, more than 20 people were intoxicated, and according to the latest report from the Mexican Ministry of Health, 17...

A devastating fire struck a shopping mall located in the city of Los Mochis, in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, on Thursday, leaving at least five people dead and 46 injured or suffering from intoxication, according to official figures. The fire broke out at 2:00 PM (4:00 PM Chile time) at Plaza Fiesta Las Palmas, a shopping center located in the heart of the Sinaloan city, specifically in the kitchen of the Casa Ley supermarket. Within minutes, the flames spread through the corridors and stores of the complex, forcing the immediate evacuation of customers and employees, as reported by Meganoticias Mexico. "We have four confirmed deaths, four bodies visible. We are informed that there may be one more victim in the process of being identified. We want to avoid any confusion; this will be a lengthy process," stated Arnoldo Serrano, Deputy Attorney General for the Northern Zone, to the local press. "We will be contacting the families and will provide a list of the injured," Serrano added, as reported by Debate de Sinaloa. For his part, Aurelio Roy Navarrete, head of the state's Civil Protection agency, explained that a total of 46 people were injured, some from being struck by objects that fell due to the fire, as well as from burns and from inhaling the dense black smoke that accumulated in the area. "We have been informed by the Ministry of Health that some patients have already been discharged, 20 were treated here, and 26 are in different hospitals..."

Carolina Rangel Gracida, Secretary General of the National Executive Committee (CEN) of the Morena party, has taken responsibility for the selection of candidates, including that of Rubén Rocha Moya, the current governor of Sinaloa (on leave), who has been implicated by the U.S. government in connections to drug trafficking, and Diego Rivera Navarro, the mayor of Tequila, Jalisco, who was arrested last February for allegedly leading a network of extortion against local tequila producers. In an interview with EL UNIVERSAL, Rangel Gracida acknowledged that the party bears "total responsibility" for the fact that candidates of this nature have been able to reach positions of power and compete in elections. However, she also stated that the political party will correct and strengthen its measures for selecting candidates who will appear on the ballots in 2027. "First, I want to acknowledge Governor Rubén Rocha's decision to request a leave of absence and to say, 'I am here, I do not need immunity.' We recognize this because he is not leaving, nor is he hiding, nor is he hiding behind immunity, as other politicians do. Also read: With votes from the PVEM party, Morena won 6 mayoralties. "On the other hand, of course, we have total responsibility, and it is fundamental to acknowledge that. That is why we have taken these decisions to strengthen our members, to strengthen our committees at the regional and municipal levels, and also our Electoral Commission and a Commission for Evaluating New Members. We now have the maturity, as a movement, to..."

Yerevan, Armenia. – Amid an international context marked by armed conflicts and geopolitical shifts, Armenia is seeking to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Latin America, particularly with Mexico, a nation with which it has maintained formal relations since 1992 and with which it shares historical bonds through migrant communities. In an interview with EL UNIVERSAL, Maria Karapetyan, a member of the Civil Contract faction of the National Assembly of Armenia, emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has been largely sustained by the presence of Armenian communities in various parts of Latin America, which have contributed to the development of the societies in which they have settled. "We fled with pride [during the wars], and Armenians in the Americas have achieved great things and have been loyal citizens, fostering sustainable relationships between our countries," she stated. Also read: CIA, a gateway to interventionist processes: Citlalli Hernández; "The PAN decided to be the party of the Americans," accuses. Karapetyan revealed that, as part of efforts to expand international cooperation, Armenia is considering inviting high-level figures from Latin America, including Mexico, to future editions of the Yerevan Dialogue, with the aim of exchanging perspectives on governance, democracy, and development. Despite the geographical distance, both countries have built a relationship...

During the commemoration of the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, and the oath-taking ceremony for conscripts in the National Military Service, the governor of the state, Alejandro Armenta Mier, stated that sovereignty is also defended within the country by combating poverty and reducing inequality. Accompanied by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the state governor emphasized that Mexico is a sovereign nation that seeks peace, not submission; cooperation, not imposition; justice, not intervention. "Here, in Puebla, the Republic and national sovereignty were defended, national dignity was defended... That is why May 5th is not just a military commemoration; it is a historical lesson about the value of sovereignty and the defense of the Republic," he said. Also read: Following Rocha's departure, the interim governor of Sinaloa is protected. "There are those who celebrate foreign pressure, those who demand external punishments, those who would like decisions that belong to the Mexican people and institutions to be made in other nations, and they are wrong. Mexico is not a colony... Mexico does not accept intervention; our Constitution states this clearly," Armenta emphasized at the Mausoleum of General Ignacio Zaragoza. He underscored that Mexico has a President who has lived up to history, who has spoken with serenity and firmness, "who is willing to cooperate, but does not accept intervention; sovereignty is not negotiable..."

The deputy Celeste Mora Eguiluz (Morena) proposed amending Article 36 of the General Law on Social Development to include access to information and communication technologies (ICT), broadband internet, and telecommunications services as an official indicator of poverty in Mexico. The deputy, who is also the secretary of the Chamber of Deputies' Welfare Committee, pointed out that the current measurement of poverty in the country is outdated, as it does not explicitly consider digital connectivity as a dimension of social exclusion. "The goal is to update the criteria used to measure vulnerability in the country. Poverty can no longer be understood solely as a lack of income or basic services such as electricity and water. In the digital age, those who do not have access to the internet are excluded from fundamental rights, education, and human development," said Mora Eguiluz. According to the 2024 National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (ENDUTIH), 86.9% of the population in urban areas uses the internet, while the figure drops to 68.5% in rural areas. "Since 2021, the number of users in both urban and rural areas has shown statistically significant increases each year compared to the previous year. Between 2023 and 2024, this growth was 1.4% in urban areas and 2.5% in rural areas," the study details. The Morena deputy emphasized that this omission in the…

Security forces have intensified their presence across parts of Mexico’s Sinaloa.

The Secretariat of the Navy reported that one of its MI-17 helicopters was forced to make an emergency landing after experiencing a malfunction in one of its engines shortly after taking off from the helipad at the naval command facilities in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. The Navy detailed that the malfunction occurred in the left engine, which caused a loss of power in the helicopter.

The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, dismissed suspicions raised by the Security Cabinet regarding the suspended governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, who, along with nine other state officials, was accused of drug trafficking by the United States Department of Justice. "We have never encountered any obstruction from state officials," said the head of the SSPC at a press conference, when asked whether authorities had any suspicions about possible criminal connections of Rocha Moya. Regarding the security detail assigned to the suspended governor, Omar García Harfuch stated that the Federal Protection Service constantly conducts risk assessments of various officials. Also read: Harfuch outlines security strategy in Sinaloa following Rocha Moya's suspension; announces strengthening of the state police. "Some governors or former governors request security; in this case, it was a recommendation. It's not a large deployment, it's just a few personnel," he explained about the security detail for the suspended governor. The Secretary of Security clarified that it was deemed appropriate to provide a security detail for Rubén Rocha, given that he is a former official from a state that has experienced violent incidents. However, he said that there is no record of any indication that Rocha Moya could be attacked, or that any threat exists. Also read: The US has not provided…

The presiding magistrate of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Branch (TEPJF), Gilberto Bátiz García, called for a separation of the judicial election from the midterm elections of 2027, in which all members of the Chamber of Deputies and 17 governorships will be up for renewal. "It is very important to emphasize this. There is currently a debate about the possibility of holding a combined election: should we have an election where political parties and the judicial election take place on the same day?" Bátiz García questioned in a statement. The electoral magistrate pointed out that the election of the judicial branch has its own implications for the future, which is why its timing should be reconsidered to be held on a date later than June 2027. Also read: In the first weekend without Rocha Moya, Sinaloa registers 15 murders; Sunday, May 3rd, was the most violent day in the state. According to Gilberto Bátiz, the experience of the Superior Chamber and the work of the entire TEPJF in the 2024 presidential elections and the first judicial elections held in June 2025 should be considered. Regarding the latter electoral event, he highlighted that it was during this election that he was elected, along with Magistrate Claudia Valle Aguilasocho. He also noted that for the first time in Mexican history, the composition of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) and half of the judges were determined through popular vote.

The Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) reported that during the takeoff of a MI-17 helicopter at the Fourth Naval Region, based in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, a power failure occurred in the aircraft's main engine, resulting in an emergency landing. During the takeoff maneuvers of the MI-17 aircraft from the helipad located at the pier of the Fourth Naval Region, a failure occurred in the left engine, which caused a loss of power in the helicopter, forcing it to make an emergency landing on the pier from which it had taken off. The agency emphasized that thanks to the skill and training of the flight crew, there were no fatalities or injuries, and the material damage to the aircraft will be repaired after evaluation by specialized personnel, allowing it to return to operational status. Semar reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the safety and well-being of the families of Sinaloa, ensuring peace and order in the region. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on Whatsapp! Stay informed about the most important news of the day, opinion pieces, entertainment, trends, and more, all from your mobile device. apr

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo revealed that the now-suspended governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, had requested security from the Security Cabinet, and that this security is being provided. The head of the federal executive branch stated that the Security Cabinet always conducts a risk assessment when governors, legislators, or even citizens request security, and based on this assessment, a decision is made regarding whether or not to strengthen their security. "Was there a request from the now-suspended governor to maintain security around him to prevent anything from happening to him?" she was asked at a press conference. "Yes, normally in cases like this, whether it's for a governor, a suspended governor from any state in the Republic, from any entity, a deputy, a senator, or even a citizen who has some perceived risk, they request support from the National Guard or the Security Cabinet for their security. "A risk assessment is conducted, and based on that, a decision is made about whether or not to provide security, and at this moment, he has been provided with security given the conditions established by the Security Cabinet itself," she replied. Sheinbaum dismisses dilemma regarding extradition request against Rocha President Claudia Sheinbaum said that she is not facing a dilemma regarding the request for the arrest and extradition of the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, due to alleged connections to drug trafficking. "(Journalists and columnists point out...

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced that she has instructed the Security Cabinet to travel to Sinaloa to meet with the new interim governor, Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde, in order to strengthen coordination efforts in the area of security. The head of the federal executive branch stated that, given this change in government in Sinaloa, following Rubén Rocha's request for leave to step down from his position as governor due to accusations from the United States regarding alleged ties to drug trafficking, it is necessary for the federal Security Cabinet to be present and strengthen coordination, assistance, and protection for the people of that state. "I have instructed the Secretary of Security (Omar García Harfuch), the General Secretary (Ricardo Trevilla Trejo), and the Admiral Secretary (Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles) to travel to the state of Sinaloa to meet with the interim governor and explain the coordination process we have in place. Also read: A millionaire, two pensioners, and 4 with no declared assets; these are Rocha's assets and those of the other individuals accused by the US. "She was the Secretary of Government and is familiar with some aspects, but now, as the acting governor of Sinaloa, it is important that the people of Sinaloa know that we are present, that we maintain all federal forces, and that we will strengthen coordination with the interim governor. It is crucial that, in light of this change in government in Sinaloa, the Security Cabinet..."

The Secretary of National Defense (SEDENA), General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the Secretary of the Navy (SEMAR), Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, and the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, traveled to Culiacán, Sinaloa, where they held a working meeting with Governor Rubén Rocha Moya. They also met with academics, business leaders, and representatives of the media to follow up on security initiatives in the state. On social media, the Security Cabinet stated that they reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining permanent coordination, strengthening dialogue with all sectors, and advancing the construction of conditions for peace and security for the benefit of the people of Sinaloa. Also read: Judge dismisses injunctions filed by retirees with "golden pensions," declaring their complaints inadmissible. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on WhatsApp! Stay informed about the most important news of the day, opinion pieces, entertainment, trends, and more, all from your mobile device. nro/apr

This Wednesday, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo will lead the "Mañanera del Pueblo" (People's Morning Briefing) from the National Palace, to inform the public about the most important events of her administration at the national level. Follow the minute-by-minute updates on the most relevant aspects of the morning conference. Join our channel! "EL UNIVERSAL" is now on WhatsApp! Stay informed about the most important news of the day, opinion pieces, entertainment, trends, and more, all from your mobile device.

Following a recent meeting at the National Palace with writer Elena Poniatowska and actress Jesusa Rodríguez, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that it is important to preserve the author's work, particularly that of "La Noche de Tlatelolco." During her morning press conference on Tuesday, April 14th, at the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo mentioned that Poniatowska is "completely lucid." "We talked a lot about the history of the movement. She knows my mother, in addition to the events of 1968; so, we talked a lot, and also about what she is currently writing, but it is up to her to share that," she commented. Also read: Scholarships are intended to provide students with "the bare minimum," Sheinbaum defends. "And it is very important to preserve all of Elena's work," the head of the federal executive branch shared. Sheinbaum meets with Poniatowska and Jesusa Rodríguez Last Thursday, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo shared a touching moment with writer Elena Poniatowska and actress Jesusa Rodríguez, who visited her at the National Palace. Sheinbaum Pardo shared a photo of the meeting on her social media and declared that Poniatowska is her favorite writer. "I am with Elena Poniatowska, my favorite writer and someone I greatly admire, who came to visit me. She is not only a great Mexican writer, but also a woman who has always been committed to the noble and just causes of the Mexican people and to women," she expressed.

Omar García Harfuch, head of the Secretariat for Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), announced the launch of the "School for Leaders," located at the National Public Security Academy, as part of the National Security Strategy. "This school will train future secretaries of public security, deputy secretaries, and leaders in various areas such as police operations, investigations, and intelligence," explained the head of the SSPC. During the morning press conference held by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on Tuesday, April 14th, at the National Palace, García Harfuch stated that the purpose of this school is to strengthen the professionalization of state and municipal police forces, as well as to develop capabilities to comprehensively address the factors that generate violence and to increase coordination between the Security Cabinet and the federal entities. Also read: Investigation points to "La Familia Michoacana" in the disappearance of the mayor of Taxco and his father. He noted that the Security Cabinet jointly promoted this training model "to prepare those who will assume leadership roles in federal, state, and municipal security institutions, creating a better-prepared cadre committed to human rights, integrity, and a focus on addressing the root causes." "The School for Leaders will be established within the National Public Security Academy, with the aim of standardizing, through..."

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that "a very strong letter" was sent, following the announcement of the death of another Mexican national while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana, bringing the total number of deceased Mexican citizens to 15. During her morning press conference on Tuesday, April 14th, at the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged that "there have not been specific responses to each case." She mentioned that she had instructed all consuls, where there are detention centers, to visit them daily: "The Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Roberto Velasco) will communicate with the corresponding institutions within the U.S. Department of State to ensure that Mexican consuls can visit the detention centers daily and provide assistance to our fellow citizens in those centers, not just once a week." Also read: Harfuch details operation to locate the mayor of Taxco and his father; lines of investigation point to La Familia Michoacana. Sheinbaum mentioned that in response to reports of other cases, support has been provided to the families, and some cases have been brought before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. "We are reviewing other avenues within the United Nations to report these practices in the detention centers," said the federal leader. "We will defend Mexicans in all forums," she emphasized. Also read: Anti-Corruption agency disqualifies two...