**US Senators Express Concern Over Judicial Reform in Mexico**
On August 27, 2024, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators expressed deep concern regarding proposed constitutional reforms in Mexico, which they argue could undermine judicial independence and potentially violate the terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The group, comprising Senators Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), and Marco Rubio (R-Florida), underscored the critical importance of a transparent and independent judiciary in a democratic society. The senators emphasized that the proposed changes might jeopardize crucial economic and security interests shared by the two nations.
“We are profoundly concerned that the judicial reforms proposed in Mexico would compromise the independence and transparency of the country’s judiciary, putting at risk the critical economic and security interests that our two nations share,” their statement read.
The senators also highlighted the potential conflict between Mexico’s proposed reforms and commitments made under the USMCA, particularly with the upcoming review scheduled for 2026. They expressed their alarm over several other constitutional reforms currently being discussed, which might contradict the trade agreement’s stipulations.
“We strongly urge the administrations of López Obrador and Sheinbaum to implement reforms that enhance professional qualifications, combat corruption, protect judicial autonomy, and bolster investor confidence. These considerations are essential for preserving democratic values and the mutual prosperity that bind our nations,” they insisted.
On the same day, numerous employees of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) staged a silent protest within the court’s premises, holding banners with messages opposing the judicial reform. They stood with placards as ministers arrived for a plenary session and collectively sang the Mexican national anthem.
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**Secondary Update: Tensions Rise Over Judicial Reform**
Following the initial concerns raised by the U.S. senators, tensions around the proposed judicial reforms in Mexico have continued to escalate. On August 27, 2024, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) accused the SCJN of violating laws regarding legislative representation and declared a temporary pause on diplomatic relations with the United States and Canada.
The move came after a series of criticisms from both countries about the judicial reforms. Additionally, AMLO called for political proceedings against SCJN President Norma Piña after she admitted challenges from the retail giant Elektra against the Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT).
In another development, the Mexican Supreme Court accepted a complaint filed by the National Action Party (PAN) to review issues related to legislative overrepresentation. Meanwhile, supporters of opposition parties gathered in what has been dubbed a “pink tide,” submitting 150,000 signatures to the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Branch (TEPJF) demanding a thorough investigation.
In the backdrop of these events, the discovery of a missing person’s body in an abandoned vehicle in Ensenada caused further unrest, adding to the growing public discontent over the ongoing judicial and political turmoil.
The international arena watches closely as Mexico navigates its internal conflicts, with significant implications for the broader region’s trade and diplomatic relations.