**Primary Article**
**Sheinbaum Reappoints AMLO’s Compadre as Head of Mexico’s National Customs Agency**
In a surprising move announced on February 14, 2025, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, has reinstated Rafael Marín Mollinedo as the head of the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM). Marín Mollinedo, who replaces André Georges Foullon Van Lissum, is notably a cousin of Nicolás Mollinedo Bastar, who once served as chauffeur and logistics coordinator for former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador during pivotal moments in his political career.
During a morning press conference from the Salón Tesorería of the National Palace, President Sheinbaum emphasized her administration’s focus on increasing customs revenues. She outlined Marín Mollinedo’s primary role: to harmonize coordination between the Armed Forces, civil officials, and the newly formed Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency, with the key objective of boosting customs revenue.
“I will meet with them weekly to ensure greater revenue, which will aid us in fulfilling our commitments to the people of Mexico,” Sheinbaum said, showcasing her confidence in Marín Mollinedo to lead this charge.
This is not the first time Marín Mollinedo has held this position. Prior to this, he also served as the Mexican ambassador to the World Trade Organization. A seasoned economist, Marín Mollinedo’s portfolio includes roles of significant importance within the Mexican government, particularly under López Obrador’s tutelage.
Foullon Van Lissum, appointed in June 2023 before returning to Marín Mollinedo, had stepped into the role following a stint as Mexico’s ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
This marks another pivotal shift in the leadership of the ANAM, an agency critical to ensuring the integrity and economic contributions of Mexico’s customs, an area often fraught with challenges including the prevention of drug trafficking and tax evasion.
**Secondary Article**
**Sheinbaum Addresses International Relations and Domestic Reforms**
On the same day President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the customs agency leadership change, she also touched on critical issues involving international and domestic policies. During her address, Sheinbaum confirmed the U.S. shares intelligence regarding Mexican cartels, highlighting international cooperation in combating organized crime. Additionally, Sheinbaum considered U.S. car manufacturers’ potential designation as complicit with cartels if deemed terrorists, a bold stance reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.
On the domestic front, the President assured that judicial reforms remain on track following recent Supreme Court decisions. This commitment underscores her administration’s endeavor to improve transparency and efficiency in Mexico’s legal system.
Meanwhile, the Federal Tourism Secretariat unveiled plans for a joint Mexico-U.S. tourism fair, set to take place across Rosarito, Tijuana, and San Diego. Aimed at promoting cross-border tourism, this initiative aligns with Sheinbaum’s ongoing efforts to bolster economic growth through strategic international partnerships.