As California officials try to block immigration facilities across the state, the Trump administration is deploying a new strategy to secure detention capacity on the West Coast. It’s buying up the real estate outright.

The Department of Homeland Security’s $1.5 billion purchase of the Otay Mesa Detention Center and the California City Detention Facility from the private prison company CoreCivic is a direct response to the state’s political resistance to new and existing ICE detention facilities, government officials said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Jason Sweeney said in a statement that California detention centers are “crucial to ICE’s detention network on the West Coast.”

“Unlike in states like Florida and Oklahoma, ICE can not rely on local state and county partners for detention space in California,” Sweeney said. “The state’s sanctuary politicians continue to push legislation to outlaw or make private prisons financially infeasible.”

The conflict dates to the last Trump administration, when California Democrats raced to adopt policies that would counter his first deportation push.

Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2019 signed a law aiming to phase out all private for-profit prisons and immigration detention centers by 2028. Private prison operator GEO Group and the federal government sued, arguing the law violated the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which bars states from interfering with federal authority. They won, with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022 striking down the ban on privately run immigration detention facilities.

Since then, California lawmakers have pushed newer measures, such as imposing heavy taxes on private detention centers to make them financially unviable.

The federal government’s purchase of CoreCivic properties comes in the middle of a showdown between California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the Trump administration over the controversial construction of new ICE offices near Gilroy, a former farm town south of San Jose. The city has grown to about 60,000 people and is ringed by garlic fields and vineyards in south Santa Clara County.

The state argues the land has been designated exclusively for agricultural uses since 1967.

“ICE’s plans to construct a facility near Gilroy violate multiple federal laws,” said Bonta, arguing ICE failed to examine the potential environmental consequences before beginning construction.

Federal contracting records show in 2025 the General Services Administration leased the property for 20 years from Beverly Hills-based ECG 6 LLC for a total of $26.5 million.

The federal government agreed in July to pause construction on the 26-acre site while the lawsuit proceeds.

California officials are using another law dating to the first Trump administration to demand entry and inspect detention centers. Bonta sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security in December highlighting “dangerous and inadequate living conditions” at the California City Detention Facility. In San Diego County, local health inspectors are in a legal feud with CoreCivic over inspections of the Otay Mesa center.

Selling the properties to the federal government likely will shield them from California health inspections, said Claire Trickler-McNulty, who was a senior ICE official in the Biden administration.

“It gives them protections from state and local laws, especially from zoning and environmental requirements,” Trickler-McNulty said.

El Centro de Procesamiento de Inmigración de CoreCivic en California City, el 22 de septiembre de 2025. The CoreCivic California City Immigration Processing Center in California City on Sep. 22, 2025. Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos for CalMatters

Sales reveal a new strategy

A year ago President Trump signed a spending bill with a huge windfall for immigration enforcement. It gave ICE $45 billion for detention capacity, and the administration had a plan to build new sites all over the country.

The purchases of Otay Mesa and California City mark a significant reversal, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council.

That plan, laid out in early 2026 in a document known as the ICE Detention Re-engineering Initiative, centered on converting warehouses into mega-centers designed to hold 7,500 to 10,000 people — each larger than any correctional facility built in the U.S. since Japanese internment during World War II.

Reichlin-Melnick described the system as one that was never thoughtfully planned out. Todd Lyons, then-acting director of ICE, at the 2025 Border Security Expo in Phoenix said he wanted deportations to run “like [Amazon] Prime, but with human beings.”

“At no point did anyone sit down to intelligently design the ‘Amazon Prime for human beings,” Reichlin-Melnick said.

The Detention Re-engineering Initiative has largely collapsed, undone by lawsuits, an unrealistic timeline, and national shortages of correctional staff and prison healthcare workers, Reichlin-Melnick said.

But that leaves billions of dollars that ICE needs to spend before the money expires.

“We expect them to buy other facilities,” said Reichlin-Melnick.

One former senior Department of Homeland Security official said conditions for immigrant detainees in ICE-owned facilities could be an improvement.

“ICE taking over an actual facility is maybe better than warehouses or putting people in soft-sided facilities or the privately run facilities,” he said.

Prices eclipse assessment rolls

County assessor records show the federal government paid a premium on the real estate. In San Diego County, the Otay Mesa property’s assessed value for the current tax year is $164.9 million. DHS paid $739.2 million for it, or about 4.5 times the assessed value. In Kern County, the California City facility was assessed at $171.5 million; DHS paid $732.6 million or 4.3 times the figure.

A former senior ICE official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, questioned whether the price tag matches the actual security need. “So, $1.5 billion just for the facilities and how many migrants are ever going to come in and out of there who are national security and public safety threats? The people that we actually do need to keep off the streets,” the former official said.

A spokesperson for Gov. Newsom, Anthony Martinez, called the administration’s deportation agenda a “reckless and cruel misuse of taxpayer money,” and accused the federal government of pouring billions into contractors while avoiding transparency over conditions inside their facilities.

San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre connected the purchase directly to CoreCivic’s political spending, noting the company’s $500,000 donation to the Trump’s inaugural committee. That preceded what she called a “billion-dollar taxpayer-funded windfall” that will help erase the company’s debt while letting it continue running the facilities. She said the arrangements treat detained immigrants as revenue streams rather than people.

CoreCivic said the “valuations for the facilities were established through the federal government’s required appraisal process, which is designed to determine objective fair market value.”

“CoreCivic has contributed to presidential inaugural events across multiple administrations, including Democratic ones. The federal appraisal process is conducted independently of any political contribution,” said Steven Owen, the vice president of communications for CoreCivic.

He added that under California law, the assessed values of the properties may differ greatly from their market value. He pointed to California’s Proposition 13, which prohibits most property reassessments outside of sales.

“California’s Prop. 13 limits annual increases in assessed value, which means assessed values for commercial properties can diverge significantly from current market value over time. The two figures are not directly comparable,” said Owen.

The company also expects to earn $130 million a year to run the California City detention center, according to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Will feds buy more detention centers?

What’s next? Former ICE official Trickler-McNulty said the abandoned plan to buy 24 warehouses under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem could hold some hints to the agency’s plan under Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

An internal roadmap obtained last year by the Washington Post reveals at least 10 “turnkey” facilities originally targeted under Noem.

They include the California City facility, but not Otay Mesa. The rest of the facilities are in Texas and Oklahoma.

The purchase of an immigration detention facility eliminates risk for both the private prison companies and the Trump administration’s deportation program, said R. Andrew Free, an immigration lawyer and writer, pointing to divestments California’s two biggest pension funds made from CoreCivic and GEO Group in 2019 that contributed to the companies’ spiraling liquidity crunch and cratering stock prices five years ago.

If private prison investments become politically toxic on a national scale, Free said, federal purchases of the detention facilities safeguard the companies and the detention space itself from divestments and the kind of environmental reviews that have ended similar projects in other states.

“This is a big upfront cash award from the federal government,” Free said.

Local governments and the state will be essentially locked out of the facilities, but will still have some contact with the people inside, Free said.

The detention centers are “still going to need police and fire, they’re still going to need coroners,” Free said, but noted that the majority of traditional inspections from the state are probably over.

Free said there are two ways to look at ICE’s detention expansion. One is, to him, optimistic: They’re simply gifts from a friendly government to their valued contractors. The other is more cynical.

“The cynical view is this definitely will be used to hold people who are not migrants,” Free said. “That it will be used to hold U.S. citizens.”

When government stops listening, people take action

August 1, 2026

A government should never ignore a warning from its own people

by the El Reportero staff

Across California, news organizations are reporting an increasing number of incidents involving surveillance cameras being removed or damaged by citizens. Regardless of whether one approves of those actions, they reveal something much deeper than vandalism. They point to a growing frustration with governments that continue expanding surveillance while many citizens believe their concerns are being ignored.

Perhaps the most important story is not the cameras themselves, but the growing attention the media are giving to the public’s response. What began as isolated incidents has become a recurring news story. Television stations, newspapers and online publications are documenting not only the removal of surveillance cameras but also the public debate surrounding them. Increasingly, the question is no longer who removed the cameras, but why so many people sympathize with those who did. That shift reflects what many see as a public awakening over privacy, government surveillance and individual liberty.

The public reaction has been impossible to ignore. Thousands of comments posted alongside these news reports express frustration with expanding surveillance and question whether government is listening to ordinary citizens. Many argue that repeated objections have gone unanswered, leaving people convinced that traditional avenues of public participation are no longer effective.
The debate extends beyond privacy.

Many Californians also question why speed enforcement cameras appear in locations where there is little history of serious accidents or dangerous driving. Instead, they often seem to be placed along heavily traveled commuter routes used by thousands of working people every day. This naturally raises a question: Are these cameras located where safety demands them, or where they are most likely to generate citations? Whether that perception is correct or not, governments should recognize that public confidence is shaped as much by appearance as by intention.

Technology itself is not the problem.

Cameras can help investigate crimes, locate stolen vehicles and improve public safety. But technology must remain accountable to the people, not the other way around. Citizens expect transparency, meaningful oversight and clear limits on how surveillance systems collect, store and use personal information. Without those safeguards, public trust begins to erode.

History offers an important lesson. Governments often justify expanding surveillance in the name of safety or public order. Yet every free society must constantly balance security with liberty. When citizens believe that balance has shifted too far toward monitoring rather than protecting, resistance should not come as a surprise.

None of this justifies destroying public property. But neither should public officials dismiss every act of resistance as simple criminal behavior without asking why so many otherwise law-abiding citizens have reached this level of frustration. Democracies depend not only on laws but also on consent. When people believe their voices no longer matter, confidence in government inevitably declines.

The cameras are not the real story.

The real story is a growing disconnect between government and the people it serves.

Public officials should pay close attention. Every news report, every public meeting and every expression of frustration carries the same message: citizens want to be heard before more surveillance is imposed upon them.

When government stops listening, people take action.

Wise governments listen before that happens.

Silence, accountability, and the questions that remain

August 1, 2026

col_FauciCovid_7.31.26 — El Dr. Anthony Fauci testifica ante el Senado de EE.UU. mientras invoca la Quinta Enmienda repetidamente. Dr Anthony Fauci testifies before the U.S. Senate while repeatedly invoking the Fifth Amendment.

by the El Reportero staff

More than six years after the COVID-19 pandemic changed the course of modern history, the United States is still searching for answers. The latest chapter unfolded in the U.S. Senate, where Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s former top infectious disease official, repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment instead of answering questions about his role during the pandemic.

The moment was extraordinary, not simply because Fauci declined to answer, but because of the circumstances surrounding his testimony. Before leaving office, President Joe Biden granted Fauci a broad preemptive pardon for potential federal offenses related to his public service. Yet despite that pardon, Fauci’s attorneys advised him to invoke his constitutional right against self-incrimination throughout the hearing.

Legally, every American has that right. The Fifth Amendment exists to protect individuals from being forced to provide testimony that could later be used against them in a criminal case. Exercising that right is not, by itself, an admission of guilt. Courts have long recognized that innocent people, as well as guilty ones, may invoke it under legal advice.

Still, the optics are impossible to ignore.

Millions of Americans watched schools close, businesses fail, churches empty, medical procedures postponed, and families separated during the pandemic. Many accepted restrictions because public health officials insisted they were necessary. Others believed government agencies exceeded their authority and suppressed legitimate scientific debate.

Whether one agrees with Fauci’s recommendations or not, few would deny that he became one of the most influential public officials in modern American history. His guidance affected virtually every household in the country.

That is why many Americans expected answers.

Critics argue that Congress has a responsibility to examine whether mistakes were made, whether government agencies were fully transparent, and whether scientific uncertainty was presented honestly to the public. They point to changing guidance on masks, school closures, vaccine mandates, and the origins of COVID-19 as reasons why accountability remains essential.

Some also believe Fauci should explain decisions that, in their view, contributed to economic hardship, educational setbacks, mental health problems, and the erosion of public trust. Others raise questions about federal funding for virus research and communications among government scientists during the early months of the outbreak.

Supporters of Fauci see the situation very differently.

They argue that he spent decades serving under both Republican and Democratic presidents, worked under unprecedented circumstances, and based his recommendations on the scientific evidence available at the time. They contend that hindsight should not become a substitute for judging decisions made during an unfolding global emergency.

They also argue that the Senate hearing had become deeply political and that Fauci’s lawyers were justified in advising him to remain silent, particularly if prosecutors might later attempt to use any inconsistencies against him in future legal proceedings. Legal scholars also note that the interaction between a preemptive presidential pardon and the Fifth Amendment has not been fully settled by the courts.

Regardless of where one stands politically, one reality remains.

Public confidence is difficult to rebuild once it has been lost.

During the pandemic, Americans were repeatedly asked to trust government officials, scientists, and public health institutions. Many still do. Many no longer do. The divisions that emerged during those years continue to shape public debate today.

Perhaps the most important issue is no longer whether Anthony Fauci had the constitutional right to remain silent. He unquestionably did.

The larger question is whether public officials who exercise enormous influence during times of national crisis also have a moral responsibility to answer difficult questions once that crisis has passed.

History will continue debating the policies adopted during COVID-19. Courts may eventually resolve the legal questions surrounding presidential pardons and congressional investigations.

But for millions of Americans still seeking clarity, silence is unlikely to provide the closure they have been waiting for.

References: Reuters; U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, July 29, 2026; The Wall Street Journal. (reuters.com)

Community Calendar – August

August 1, 2026

by the El Reportero staff

August opens with a full calendar of family festivals, live music, cultural performances and business gatherings across the Bay Area. Whether you’re looking for a community celebration, a benefit concert, an arts festival or a professional networking opportunity, the coming weeks offer activities for all ages and interests.

Fiesta en el Parque

Free family festival brings Latino culture to the Presidio

Celebrate Latino culture during the fourth annual Fiesta en el Parque, featuring live music, salsa, merengue and cumbia dance lessons, arts and crafts, face painting, lawn games and local food vendors overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Presented by Telemundo 48 and NBC Bay Area in partnership with the Presidio Trust, the event encourages families to bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of music and community.

Saturday, Aug. 1, 1–4 p.m., Presidio Tunnel Tops, East Meadow, 210 Lincoln Blvd., San Francisco. Free admission. Information: presidio.gov.

MJ Santos Scholarship Fund All-Star Benefit Concert

Outstanding musicians unite for a scholarship fundraiser

Some of the Bay Area’s finest musicians will perform in a benefit concert supporting percussionist MJ Santos as he continues his education at The New School in New York. The lineup includes John Santos, Destani Wolf, Saul Sierra, John Calloway, Dan Parenti, Anthony Blea, Javier Navarrette, Miles Turk, Joaquín Ortiz, Lucca Parenti and special guests. All proceeds benefit the MJ Santos Scholarship Fund.

Saturday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Piedmont Piano Company, 1728 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Tickets available online and at the door.

Beyond the Latino Community

San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival returns to Fort Mason

The seventh biennial San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival presents three days of contemporary aerial performances, youth showcases and site-specific works by internationally recognized artists. Hosted by Zaccho Dance Theatre and Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, the festival transforms theaters and public spaces into stages celebrating movement, creativity and innovation.

Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7–9, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Gateway Pavilion, Pier 2, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Information and tickets: sfaerialartsfest.org.

CHCC 47th Annual Statewide Convention

California’s largest Latino business gathering comes to Oakland

Business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and public officials will gather for the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce’s annual convention, featuring keynote speakers, networking sessions, educational workshops and discussions on economic development and leadership. The conference highlights opportunities for Latino businesses throughout California.

Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 19–21, Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. Registration required. Information: CHCC2026.com.

Visit ElReporteroSF.com and click on the Calendar section for additional community events throughout the Bay Area.

Community organizations, artists and event organizers are invited to submit upcoming events for publication by emailing elreportero@aol.com.

The hidden dangers of processed foods: How to reduce sodium and reclaim your health

August 1, 2026

by Patrick Lewis

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes priority over nutrition, leading many Americans to rely heavily on processed foods. Packaged meals, canned soups, deli meats, frozen dinners and commercial baked goods make life easier, but they also contribute heavily to sodium intake. According to public health estimates, about 77% of the average American’s sodium consumption comes from processed and restaurant foods rather than the salt shaker. Excess sodium is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, making it important to pay closer attention to what we eat.

The sodium trap

Many people believe they can control sodium simply by using less table salt. In reality, much of the sodium in the American diet is hidden in everyday foods. Bread, cheese, sauces, salad dressings, breakfast cereals and condiments often contain significant amounts of sodium, even when they do not taste especially salty.

Health experts generally recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day for most adults, with lower limits often advised for people with hypertension or other medical conditions. However, the average American consumes well above those recommendations.

Manufacturers commonly add sodium to improve flavor, preserve food and extend shelf life. As a result, products marketed as convenient—or even “healthy”—may still contain surprisingly high amounts of salt. A single serving of canned soup can provide hundreds of milligrams of sodium, while processed deli meats and many frozen meals can contribute a substantial portion of the recommended daily limit.

Simple ways to reduce sodium

Reducing sodium does not require giving up flavorful meals. A few practical changes can make a meaningful difference.

Shop carefully. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables without added sauces, and select fresh poultry, fish and lean meats instead of processed options such as bacon, sausage and deli meats. Look for products labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added,” and compare nutrition labels before making a purchase.

Cook more meals at home. Preparing food yourself gives you control over the ingredients. Fresh herbs and spices such as basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, cumin, garlic, ginger, black pepper and lemon juice can add flavor without relying on excess salt. Homemade sauces based on yogurt, citrus juice or vinegar are also healthier alternatives to many bottled products.

If you use canned foods such as beans, vegetables or tuna, rinsing them under water can reduce their sodium content by as much as 40 percent.

Make smarter restaurant choices. Restaurant meals often contain more sodium than home-cooked food. When dining out, ask whether lower-sodium options are available, request that no extra salt be added during preparation and consider splitting large portions. Limiting fast-food meals can also help reduce sodium intake.

Why processed foods contain so much sodium

Sodium plays several important roles in food manufacturing. It enhances taste, improves texture and helps preserve products for longer periods. These benefits make it attractive to food manufacturers, but they can also result in diets that exceed recommended sodium levels if consumers rely too heavily on processed foods.

Reading nutrition labels and choosing minimally processed foods whenever possible are effective ways to reduce overall sodium intake without sacrificing variety or convenience.

Small changes, lasting benefits

Improving your diet does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Replacing a few processed foods with fresh ingredients, preparing more meals at home and paying attention to nutrition labels can significantly reduce sodium intake over time.

These simple habits may help support healthy blood pressure, improve heart health and lower the risk of chronic disease. Small, consistent changes today can lead to meaningful long-term health benefits while allowing you to enjoy nutritious, flavorful meals.

On Peru’s Independence Day, Keiko Fujimori becomes nation’s first elected woman president

July 31, 2026

latinbriefs2_keiko_7.31.26 — Keiko Fujimori waves after taking office as Peru's president during the official July 28, 2026 inauguration ceremony. En el Día de la Independencia, Keiko Fujimori asume como la primera presidenta elegida del Perú

by the El Reportero staff

LIMA — Keiko Fujimori was sworn in July 28 as Peru’s first popularly elected woman president, promising to restore stability after years of political turmoil and confront the country’s growing security, economic and social challenges.

In her inaugural address before Congress, Fujimori called for national unity and said Peruvians had chosen “hope over fear.” She pledged to defend democracy, strengthen public institutions and govern for all citizens after narrowly winning the June runoff election.

“Our commitment is to rebuild confidence in Peru,” Fujimori said, adding that her administration would focus on public safety, job creation and economic growth while protecting democratic freedoms. She also vowed to defend freedom of expression and respect constitutional institutions.

Fujimori took office on Peru’s Independence Day, celebrated every July 28 to commemorate General José de San Martín’s proclamation of independence from Spain in 1821. Under Peru’s Constitution, presidents are inaugurated on that date, linking each transfer of power with one of the nation’s most important civic celebrations.

The new president inherits a nation marked by nearly a decade of political instability. Peru has had about 10 presidents since 2016, while repeated confrontations between the executive and Congress have deepened public distrust and slowed reforms. Crime, extortion and illegal mining have also become growing concerns across the country.

Fujimori announced plans to strengthen police and military cooperation against organized crime, reform the prison system, increase the minimum wage by 15 percent, encourage private investment and improve government efficiency. She said economic stability and fiscal discipline would remain priorities while expanding opportunities for Peru’s poorest communities.

Her presidency also marks the return of the Fujimori political movement to Peru’s highest office. Supporters credit the movement with restoring economic stability during the 1990s, while critics continue to associate it with the human rights abuses and corruption convictions linked to the government of her late father, former President Alberto Fujimori.

Several opposition lawmakers walked out during her inaugural speech, highlighting the political divisions that remain despite the peaceful transfer of power. Analysts say Fujimori’s greatest challenge will be building consensus while delivering on promises to improve security, strengthen democratic institutions and revive the economy.

– Read a more in-depth analysis of Peru’s new government, its political challenges and what Keiko Fujimori’s presidency could mean for Latin America online at ElReporteroSF.com under Latin Briefs.

References: Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera.

Sheinbaum hits back at Miller’s ‘Mexico’s systems don’t work’ claim: Tuesday’s mañanera recapped

July 31, 2026

HL_Sheinbaum_a_Miller_7.30.26 — También en la mañanera del martes, Sheinbaum brindó una actualización sobre la evaluación de un grupo de expertos sobre la viabilidad del “fracking sustentable” en México. Also at Tuesday’s mañanera, Sheinbaum provided an update on an expert group’s assessment of the feasibility of “sustainable fracking” in Mexico. (Saúl López Escorcia/Presidencia)

by Mexico News Daily staff

President Claudia Sheinbaum used her Tuesday morning press conference to respond to pointed remarks made by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller about Mexico’s justice system, security and bilateral relations.

Sheinbaum also addressed the feasibility of “sustainable fracking” in Mexico, political accusations against former Security Minister Genaro García Luna, and reaffirmed that Mexico would not be defined by foreign criticism.

Sheinbaum’s mañanera in 60 seconds

Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, claimed that Mexico’s justice, political and legal systems “don’t work” because parts of the country are controlled and occupied by terrorist organizations that “kill or kidnap anybody who gets in their way.” Sheinbaum rejected his remarks and defended Mexico’s institutions.
She also responded to comments made by U.S. officials regarding Mexican elections, saying Mexico should not be defined by outside criticism.
Referring to former Security Minister Genaro García Luna, Sheinbaum said the accusations against him were politically motivated and reiterated that justice should prevail.
The president also provided an update on an expert committee studying the feasibility of “sustainable fracking” in Mexico, saying the group expects to deliver recommendations soon.

Why today’s mañanera matters

Tuesday’s morning press conference was significant because President Claudia Sheinbaum responded directly to provocative remarks by senior Trump administration official Stephen Miller. The exchange comes as relations between Mexico and the United States remain focused on security, migration and trade.

The president also addressed recent political developments related to Genaro García Luna and updated the public on an energy assessment examining the feasibility of sustainable fracking in Mexico.

Sheinbaum responds to Stephen Miller’s remarks about Mexico

A reporter asked the president about comments made by Stephen Miller during a recent appearance on U.S. media.

Miller argued that Mexico’s justice system, political system and legal system “don’t work” because criminal organizations allegedly control territory and use violence against civilians.

He also claimed that Mexican criminal organizations “not only export massive death in the form of narcotics to our country, but they also export sophisticated criminal enterprises whose objective is to destabilize our democracy and end the rule of law in our country.”

Sheinbaum dismissed the criticism and defended Mexico’s institutions.

She said there is good coordination between Mexico and the United States and emphasized that cooperation between the two countries benefits both nations.

“We govern for the people,” Sheinbaum said. “We work every day for security and peace in our country, and there are results.”

She also criticized comments by U.S. officials suggesting Mexico should not be considered a democracy, saying Mexico should not be defined by foreign political rhetoric.

Sheinbaum: Ruffo case is a “criminal issue, not a political one”

A reporter noted that a group of former Spanish and Latin American political leaders had issued a statement supporting former presidential candidate Edmundo González and criticizing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The conversation shifted to former Mexican security official Genaro García Luna and businessman Eduardo Ruffo.

Sheinbaum said the accusations against Ruffo are based on evidence presented by authorities and stressed that the matter should be resolved through the justice system, not politics.

“I repeat, it has nothing to do with a political issue. It is a criminal issue,” she said.

Sheinbaum provides an update on the fracking feasibility assessment

The president also gave an update on the government-commissioned assessment studying the feasibility of “sustainable fracking” in Mexico.

She said the committee has made significant progress and expects to complete its work soon.

According to Sheinbaum, experts from academic institutions and the energy sector are evaluating whether the technology can be used while minimizing environmental impacts.

She said the assessment will likely be completed next week.

Once the study is finished, the government will announce its conclusions and determine whether changes to public policy are warranted.

The president reiterated that the experts will decide what actions are necessary and that any future decisions will be based on scientific evidence.

A previous administration had promoted hydraulic fracturing as a way to increase domestic natural gas production, but Sheinbaum has maintained that environmental protection remains a priority while the review is underway.

UCSF doctors launch historic unionization campaign across the UC system.

July 31, 2026

localbriefs_UCSF_7.31.26 — Médicos de la UCSF anuncian una iniciativa de sindicalización con el SEIU en una conferencia de prensa en el Hospital General Zuckerberg de San Francisco. UCSF doctors announce SEIU unionization effort at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital press conference.

by the El Reportero staff

More than 100 physicians gathered outside Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on July 23 to launch what organizers describe as the largest unionization effort by attending physicians in U.S. history, announcing a campaign to organize nearly 10,000 University of California doctors under SEIU Doctors United.

The San Francisco press conference, originally announced in a media advisory before the event, featured UCSF physicians alongside Assemblymember Matt Haney and other supporters. Doctors said they are seeking a stronger voice in decisions affecting patient care, staffing, workloads, medical education and research throughout the UC system.

The campaign comes just one week after the University of California reached a tentative statewide contract agreement with approximately 6,400 resident physicians and fellows represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU. Organizers said that agreement demonstrated the growing momentum for physician organizing across UC hospitals and clinics.

At the July 23 event, physicians described growing concerns over heavy patient loads, administrative burdens, burnout and what they characterized as declining physician autonomy. They argued that improving doctors’ working conditions would ultimately benefit patients by allowing physicians to spend more time delivering care and participating in decisions that affect clinical practice.

“Sometimes I do feel, especially as a primary care physician, overwhelmed,” one UCSF physician said, describing increasing demands on doctors within the health system. Other speakers said they believe collective bargaining would help physicians advocate more effectively for staffing levels, patient safety and quality of care.

The organizing effort reflects a broader shift within the medical profession. While attending physicians have historically been less likely to unionize than nurses or other healthcare workers, organizers say consolidation in healthcare, rising administrative demands and post-pandemic workplace pressures have prompted more doctors to consider collective bargaining.

The union campaign does not automatically create a bargaining unit. Organizers must first gather sufficient support from eligible physicians before seeking formal recognition through the federal labor relations process. University officials have not announced a position on the organizing drive itself, although UC recently praised collaborative labor negotiations following its tentative agreement with resident physicians.

If successful, the campaign would establish one of the nation’s largest unions representing attending physicians and could influence labor organizing efforts at academic medical centers across the country.

– Sources: KQED; University of California; SEIU Doctors United.

Louie Romero, Bay Area salsa legend and founder of Mazacote, dies

July 31, 2026

arts_louisromero_7.31.26 — Louie Romero, fundador de Mazacote, ayudó a forjar el legado salsero y del jazz latino del Área de la Bahía. Louie Romero, founder of Mazacote, helped shape the Bay Area’s salsa and Latin jazz legacy.

by the El Reportero staff

The Bay Area Latin music community is mourning the loss of master percussionist Louie Romero, founder and leader of the San Francisco salsa orchestra Mazacote and a musician whose career spanned the golden era of Fania Records through more than five decades of performing, recording and mentoring younger artists.

Romero died July 24 in San Francisco, leaving behind a legacy that reached from New York’s legendary salsa scene to stages throughout Northern California. Affectionately known as “El Timbalero de Fania,” he earned the respect of fellow musicians for his extraordinary talent, professionalism and generosity.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Puerto Rican family, Romero began playing percussion at age seven. His professional breakthrough came in 1967 when bandleader Willie Colón invited the young timbalero to join his orchestra after hearing him perform in New York. During his career, Romero performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Rubén Blades, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, Ismael Miranda, Tito Puente Jr. and many others.

After moving to California in the 1980s, Romero became a cornerstone of the Bay Area salsa community. In 1994 he founded Mazacote, an orchestra that blended classic salsa, Latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms while earning recognition as one of Northern California’s premier salsa ensembles. Beyond the stage, he became a mentor who encouraged and inspired generations of local musicians.

Tributes poured in across social media following news of his passing. Annie Rodríguez remembered Romero as someone who “never knew a stranger” and “treated everyone like family,” adding that his love for music and people touched countless lives. Other musicians recalled his willingness to share his knowledge, describing him as a humble bandleader who helped younger performers find opportunities and confidence in their own careers.

Romero’s influence extended far beyond his performances. Whether appearing alongside salsa legends or leading Mazacote before Bay Area audiences, he remained dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of Afro-Caribbean music while welcoming new generations into the culture.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Latin music, but the rhythms he created, the musicians he mentored and the community he helped build will continue to resonate for years to come. – https://youtu.be/njr_nXPdP3I.

References: Mazacote official biography; World Music Central interview with Louie Romero; Annie Rodríguez Facebook tribute; tributes from Bay Area musicians and Latin music community.

The staff of El Reportero and editor Marvin Ramírez extend their heartfelt condolences to Louie Romero’s wife, family and friends. His music and legacy will live on.

– Read the complete story about Louie Romero’s life and musical legacy online at elreporteroSF.com in the Arts & Entertainment section.

At the Central American and Caribbean Games, powerhouse Mexico builds for the 2028 Olympics

July 31, 2026

sports_CACgames_7.31.26 — México dominó la natación en aguas abiertas con el oro de Dalia Moreno, la plata de Yuritzi Salgado y el bronce de Paola Pérez, de Venezuela. Mexico dominated open-water swimming as Dalia Moreno won gold, Yuritzi Salgado silver, and Venezuela’s Paola Pérez bronze overall.

by MND staff

Mexico is off to a commanding start at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic, reinforcing its status as the region’s powerhouse as the centennial competition progresses.

The Games opened at Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, they are the oldest regional multi-sports competition in the world. Running through August 8, the event marks the centennial of the Games, which debuted in Mexico City in 1926. Over 6,000 athletes from 37 countries and territories are competing across 40 sports.

Mexico remains the only nation to appear in all 25 editions and is the two-time defending champion, holding 13 titles overall. Past dominant runs include:

2018 (Barranquilla): 132 golds and 341 total medals.
2023 (San Salvador): 145 golds and 353 total medals.
All-time best haul: 375 medals at the 2010 Games in Mayagüez.

Dominating the competition

Mexico sits comfortably atop the medal table well ahead of competitors like Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. Early success relies heavily on familiar strengths:

Taekwondo: Secured 14 podium finishes, featuring gold medals for Daniela Souza and Iker Casas.
Shooting: Flag bearer Gabriela Rodríguez took the women’s skeet crown, while Luis Gallardo won the men’s event.
Open water swimming: Paulo Strehlke captured gold in the 10-kilometer race.
Other disciplines: Rowers Melissa Márquez and Aylin Ibarra each claimed three gold medals, alongside finishes in badminton and rhythmic gymnastics.

The program also features basketball, soccer, baseball, cycling, diving, and esports making their debut.

A stepping stone to Los Angeles 2028

Mexico views its strong performances in Santo Domingo as a vital stepping stone toward the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028. To help achieve this, the country sent a delegation of over 600 athletes, deploying their top teams in key sports like diving, open water swimming, cycling, and taekwondo.

Ahead of the event, the Mexican delegation participated in a send-off ceremony led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The nation’s next major multi-sport test will follow at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, in July 2027.

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