## AMLO Slams US Intervention in Judicial Reform as “Offensive and Arrogant”
Proposed constitutional reforms by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) have sparked controversy, with warnings from influential US lawmakers that these reforms could negatively impact the upcoming renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026.
On August 29, 2024, Michael Thomas McCaul, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a Republican Congressman from Texas, expressed deep concerns about the judicial reforms pushed by López Obrador. McCaul emphasized that these measures might undermine years of economic progress and weaken bilateral alliances by eroding democracy in Mexico.
“Our Mexican neighbors must understand that implementing some of these reforms could set our countries on a detrimental path ahead of the USMCA renegotiation in 2026. I urge the Mexican government to reconsider these actions,” stated McCaul via the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s official account on X (formerly Twitter).
On August 28, 2024, Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton from Arizona echoed the concerns of US Ambassador to Mexico, Kenneth Lee Salazar. Salazar had warned on August 22, 2024, that judicial reforms, particularly those including the direct election of judges, posed a risk to the functioning of democracy and could impact economic integration.
“The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico rightly raised concerns about judicial reforms that could undermine Mexico’s democracy and threaten our shared economic and security interests,” Stanton remarked on X.
In response, President López Obrador described the US comments on Mexico’s judicial reforms as offensive and arrogant, accusing them of lacking respect for Mexican sovereignty. “This is not the behavior of good neighbors; it is an act of arrogance and inequality,” said López Obrador during his morning press conference at the National Palace.
The Mexican president called on US authorities to respect Mexico’s sovereignty, adding that respecting each other’s sovereignty is the key to strengthening the region economically and socially. López Obrador also distanced the US ambassador from Washington’s stance, suggesting that Salazar’s comments were made under instructions.
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Mexico’s President-elect, also commented on the US statements, urging the US State Department and the Embassy to clarify their interest in Mexico’s judicial reforms. However, Sheinbaum downplayed any potential tensions between the two nations, asserting that Mexico’s judicial reform was part of the electoral campaign and should not concern the US.
## Additional News and Updates
### AMLO to Publish Judicial Reforms Before End of Term Amid Protests
In related developments, AMLO announced plans to publish the judicial reforms before the end of his term. This decision comes despite protests from workers who have closed off the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) in opposition to the reforms. Observers note that these actions could further strain relations with the United States, as the judicial changes remain a point of contention.
### US Reports 55% Reduction in Unlawful Crossings
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that irregular crossings at the US-Mexico border have been reduced by 55%. This statistic highlights ongoing cooperation between the two nations on border security issues, a notable contrast to the current friction over judicial reforms.
### AMLO Congratulates Supreme Court Justices During TEPJF Resolution
AMLO recently praised justices who voted in favor of key decisions within the Supreme Court. This move has sparked debate, with some critics arguing that such praise undermines judicial independence. Meanwhile, opposition figures, including Xóchitl Gálvez, claimed that the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) was not delivering justice in its resolutions.
### Morena Gains Strength in Congress as PVEM Transfers Deputies
The Green Party (PVEM) announced the transfer of 15 deputies to Morena, increasing Morena’s representatives to 251. This shift will give Morena control over the Joint Coordination Political Commission (JUCOPO), further solidifying AMLO’s legislative agenda.
Stay tuned for more updates on judicial reforms and other political developments affecting the relationship between Mexico and the United States on TJGringo.com.