The weekly newsletter of the Mexico Solidarity Project

Every issue archived online at mexicosolidarityproject.org/archives/

January 07, 2026

Sheinbaum Has Guts and Grip; She Must Not Fall

Meizhu Lui, for the editorial team

2025 was no ordinary year. Both Mexico and the US experienced seismic shifts that rumbled through North America and the world.

Mexico's "4th Transformation" began in 2018 with President Lopez Obrador after 40 years of neoliberal privatization that profited the rich, though governments promised that benefits would “trickle down” to everyone. The real result? Growing extremes of wealth and poverty. The Morena government inverted that pyramid, recouping enormous back taxes owed by the rich and using the money to invest in the poor, proving for all the world to see that prosperity can “percolate up” via public ownership and programs that prioritize the poor.

Through changes to the constitution, AMLO cleared a development path for his successor. In her first year, President Sheinbaum constructed more than 6,000 new units of affordable housing, created a new public banking and finance system, built a public transportation infrastructure, provided universal health care access — and more.

In December, reflecting her mind-bending 70% approval rating, 600,000 people flocked to the Zócalo with cries of “No estás sola!” or “You are not alone!” She should easily make upward progress.

Except for one crucial obstacle — the violent fascistic egomaniac across the border is determined to throw her off balance, stop the 4th Transformation and subjugate Mexico. So far, Sheinbaum has used a cool head and a stiff spine to fend off Trump’s bullying.

But in 2026, more extreme threats will come across the border — solidarity will be more essential than ever. For US supporters of Mexico, our first priority is taking down the US’s ruthless president, who openly threatens a military invasion of Mexico.

People of the US need Mexico’s transformation, and people of Mexico need transformation in the US. So let’s gear up! 2026 will require all of us to conquer our fear of heights and climb this mountain together.

 We were shocked that 2026 began with the US military attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of president Maduro and his wife. We stand with president Sheinbaum, who has condemned this illegal act of war in no uncertain terms and called on the UN to negotiate a peaceful resolution. We are clear that Trump's real intent is to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves — and to line the pockets of his US cronies. Since 2018, Mexico has insisted on its sovereignty and the sovereignty of all Latin American countries, refusing to bend to the "Trump Corollary" of the Monroe Doctrine, which asserts US control over Latin America and the Caribbean. As AMLO proclaimed in front of the Mexican people, "We are not a colony. We are not a protectorate of the US. We are an independent, free country!"

We invite you to re-acquaint yourself with some of the amazing people we interviewed in 2025. And thank YOU for your commitment to building solidarity between the people of Mexico, the US, and beyond!

A Socialist Views Morena’s 4th Transformation

Making Social Change from Pocket Change

“People without jobs in the formal sector open laundromats, taco stands and car washes to make a living. They are considered microenterprises when they have fewer than 10 employees; they represent 85% of all businesses in Mexico. To sustain themselves, these people might need a small infusion of money for equipment like a new oven or to repair a broken sewing machine. Private banks don't lend on such a small scale, so their only option was predatory private lenders, who demand up to 100% annual interest. Our publicly funded program offers microcredits, which are small loans ranging from $300 to $1,000 with zero interest.”

Representing US Migrants in Mexico’s Congress

“Claudia Sheinbaum inspired me hugely when she was elected president in 2024. At her inauguration, she said, “It’s time for women! I say we're arriving because I'm not arriving on my own; all women are arriving.” That was electric! I’ve experienced the problems ordinary people in my community also face — this makes me a good representative. There’s no difference between being a community activist and a political activist. But you can help the people more as their official representative in government. If you’re a good organizer and people see you as a leader — go for it! Run!”

Truckers’ Union Drives at a Snail’s Pace

“The Mexican labor department did nothing! The Conciliation and Arbitration Board in Tijuana is corrupt. My company manager publicly stated that if we fought them, we could forget it, because the company and Hyundai had the resources to buy off anyone we asked for help. And that turned out to be true. The process of achieving greater rights can ruin activists' lives. This fight has drained me, financially and emotionally. The bright spot for me is the solidarity of other Mexican workers and the international solidarity I’ve experienced from people who share my goal of building real workers' power.” Note: With that solidarity, Jesus and SITRABICS finally won their case in December 2025!

Women’s Bodies Are Still Public Property

“Even though Claudia is Mexico’s first woman president, a stranger publicly and inappropriately touched her in the middle of a crowd in broad daylight. I found it outrageous when I heard some people deny what happened — despite videos and numerous witnesses — saying it was just a show, that Claudia planned it. She took several days to file a complaint, and some said that showed her weakness, that we're not ready for a female president. The world expects women leaders to do everything perfectly — but not men. In 1848, when President Santa Anna lost the war against the United States and relinquished half of Mexico's territory, no one said, “Enough is enough! No more male presidents!”

In US, Mexican Farm Workers Confront Threats

“A group of about 30 workers told me that they weren’t being paid and were lied to about a visa extension. They also said that their recruiter ordered them not to come back and see me. So I started looking for him. One day at a local restaurant, this big tall guy in a sombrero and boots stood up and came over to me. He got in my face, yelling, “You stay away from these guys.” Later, I ran into him, and he yelled at me again. He told me his name — he was the guy I’d been looking for! In front of everyone, he said, “Just beware. People have been found dead on the farms!” 

Florida Farmworkers: Photo courtesy Roxana Aguirre, Futuro Investigates

US Support for Mexican Union Organizers

Mexico Solidarity Bulletin #236

Thea Lee served as Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs in the US Department of Labor from 2021 to 2025 and headed their Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), responsible for investigating complaints by Mexican workers of company attacks on their right to organize. For 20 years, she worked for the US labor coalition, the AFL-CIO.

“After sitting in the advocacy seat for decades, I got to sit on the other side of the table — I loved my stint in government! The US should use its wealth and power for the good of workers around the world. They are the ones providing for us; we have a responsibility for them. It felt good to be able to say to a foreign government, ‘You can’t put union organizers in jail if you want access to the US market.’”

GM workers won an independent union through the USMCA’s Rapid Response mechanism, which brought them support from the US Department of Labor.

Silao photo courtesy of GM

History Lesson: Stubborn Mexican Women Win

“The women were uncomfortable in the union hall because the men resented their presence, so they met in each other’s homes to talk strike strategy. If someone’s kid needed watching, or if someone was pregnant or having trouble with her husband, her fellow strikers were there for her. Everyone knew everyone else’s business. No one thought about scabbing. If they did, they knew they’d have to face their neighbors. And they were tough. Gloria Betancourt said, ‘Just because you’re Catholic doesn’t mean you can’t throw rocks at scabs!’”

Watsonville Strikers Holding a Banner. Unity Archive Project. Labor Archives and Research Center Special Collections Gallery, J. Paul Leonard Library, fourth floor

Humor, a Revolutionary Tool

“Freud once said people have three responses to extreme situations: violence, sex — and humor. And John Lennon remarked that the people who are most oppressed have the best sense of humor. That makes Mexico a superpower of humor! Humor is a very sophisticated response to oppression. It's a tool of resistance. The powerful don't like being mocked. Throughout our lives, cartoonists at El Chamuco have received threats, and currently, at Chamuco TV, we’ve been sued more than once by the National Action Party (PAN) and others from the right wing. You know you’ve hit a nerve when they try to shut you up!”

Separating Trash from News: Soberanía Podcast

They co-host the current affairs program Sin Muros on the Mexican public TV station, Canal Once. And, they are the dynamic and entertaining co-hosts of the Mexico Solidarity Project podcast Soberanía, bringing you deeply researched left analysis.

Mexico Solidarity Bulletin #225

JL: We started our first podcast in February 2024, with “Anatomy of a Hit,” when ProPublica and other media were coordinating a story that AMLO was a “narco-president” whose 2006 campaign had been funded by cartels. They were attempting to influence the Mexican vote against Morena. For us, that was the last straw! We traced the sources to show that the allegations had no factual basis and that the authors were connected to right-wing think tanks. Not “reporting” — but a hit job.

KH: We cover serious material, but if we covered it in a serious style, it could seem too heavy. I write and perform in plays — so I’m a ham! You won’t get a newscaster monotone from me!

Don’t miss an issue! Sign up for a free Mexico Solidarity Bulletin subscription.

For a deeper dive into current news and analysis in English,

check out our media website and the podcast ¡Soberanía! (Sovereignty) with José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth.

New episodes will now arrive weekly on Wednesdays, not Tuesdays.

Sin Muros from José Luis and Kurt is a weekly Spanish language Mexican TV show on Canal Once that analyzes Mexico-US relations. It's also on YouTube, with English subtitles.

And those of you with mad skills and/or interests we want to hear from you! Get in touch to find ways to plug in to the work. Drop a line to meizhului@gmail.com.

On Christmas eve, President Sheinbaum shared a brief message of unity, hope, and gratitude. She reminded us that it is not material things that matter but love. Fortified with that spirit, we're ready to face the challenges that 2026 will surely bring.

Recent news reports and commentaries, from progressive and mainstream media,
on life and struggles on both sides of the US-Mexico border. Compiled by Jay Watts.

Mexico Condemns US Military Intervention in Venezuela as UN Charter Breach Telesur. In a forceful diplomatic rebuke, the Mexican government has condemned the United States’ recent military intervention in Venezuela, denouncing it as a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional stability.

Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México, Uruguay y España rechazan al unísono agresión contra Venezuela Telesur. En un comunicado conjunto histórico, los seis países iberoamericanos expresaron su «profunda preocupación y rechazo» ante operaciones militares unilaterales en territorio venezolano, defendiendo la soberanía, el derecho internacional y el diálogo como único camino.

Kurt Hackbarth, Mexico’s Successful Left Project Is Under Threat From Trump Jacobin. Mexico’s hugely popular president, Claudia Sheinbaum, won massive reforms in 2025. But with the Donald Trump administration’s neocolonial interventions in Latin America, next year will be a fight for survival.

Peniley Ramírez, FIFA: cheque en blanco y FIFA: las costos secretos Sonora Presente. El Mundial de Futbol que se disputará el próximo verano es una operación de Estado, con un costo multimillonario para el gobierno mexicano, en beneficio de grandes empresas y de la FIFA.

Oscar Lopez, British baker outrages Mexicans with attack on their ‘ugly’ bread The Guardian. Food bloggers liken Richard Hart to Christopher Columbus for ‘stomping’ on a country that has welcomed him.

Arturo Sánchez Jiménez, AMLO a Trump tras ataque a Venezuela: “No caiga en la autocomplacencia; la victoria de hoy puede ser la derrota de mañana” La Jornada. El ex presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador reapareció con un mensaje en redes sociales en el que condenó el ataque de EU contra Venezuela

President Sheinbaum leads distribution of 2.5 million free books for Mexico and Latin American readers Riviera Maya News. The collection consists of Latin American authors and will be distributed in Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, and Peru. The free books will be distributed to readers aged 15 to 30 from the 25 for the Twenty-Five collection of the Fondo de Cultura Económica.

Aníbal García Fernández, Derechas y ultraderechas en América Latina Revista Contralínea. En América Latina se desarrolla una disputa política entre las izquierdas y las derechas que incluye el terreno de conceptos como igualdad, democracia y libertad. Grupos reaccionarios se apropian de esas “banderas” al tergiversar su noción, y aprovechan las crisis política, económica, social y hasta climática del mundo para colocarse como opciones políticas fascistas que regresan al poder.

Fernanda Pesce, Meet the Indigenous women behind Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ‘most stylish’ looks The Sentinel. “In each embroidery there is not only a lot of work, there is tradition, there is history, there is legacy … each embroidery represents something that a woman designed and thought of,” Sheinbaum.

México supo conectar con Trump y es el gran ganador: WSJ. El comercio romperá récord Sin Embargo. El diario estadounidense y uno de los medios más influyentes en el mundo de la economía sostiene que la Presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum ha logrado conectar con Trump y controlar su uso del comercio como palanca en asuntos no económicos.

The Mexico Solidarity Project brings together activists from various socialist and left organizations and individuals committed to worker and global justice. We see the 2018 election of Andrés Manuel López Obrador as president of Mexico as a watershed moment. AMLO and his progressive Morena party aim to end generations of corruption, impoverishment, and subservience to US interests. Our Project supports not just Morena, but all Mexicans struggling for basic rights, and opposes US efforts to undermine organizing and Mexico’s national sovereignty.

Editorial committee: Meizhu Lui, Bruce Hobson, Agatha Hinman, Victoria Hamlin, Courtney Childs, Pedro Gellert.  To give feedback or get involved yourself, please email us!

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