Monday, July 27, 2026
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Mexico responds to ice raids in Los Angeles amid protests and rising tensions

by the El Reportero staff

Mexico’s foreign minister confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted two immigration raids in Los Angeles on Friday, detaining Mexican nationals. One raid occurred at a Home Depot in Paramount, while the other took place at a textile factory identified as Ambiance Apparel, a clothing manufacturer, importer, and wholesaler located in the city’s Fashion District.

According to NBC News, citing Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Ambiance Apparel was among several locations targeted by federal agents during these operations.

In response, Mexican consular officials quickly visited immigration detention centers in Los Angeles to identify the detained Mexican nationals, offer them legal assistance, and contact their families. Mexico is now analyzing each case individually to determine the appropriate next steps.

“We immediately deployed our consular protection teams,” said Foreign Minister De la Fuente. “Relatives have been contacted by our consular personnel, and we are following up on each case.”

He also noted that, under instructions from Mexico’s president, officials reached out to both U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson and Mexico’s Ambassador in Washington Esteban Moctezuma, who helped ensure that consular agents could access the detention facilities and provide assistance.

Ambassador Johnson emphasized a cooperative approach, stating on social media, “The violent protesters in LA do not represent the proud and hardworking Mexican people we know and respect. Our actions protect all communities and uphold the rule of law. Mexico is our partner — and the ties between our nations run deep.”

Echoing President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, De la Fuente urged the Mexican community in the U.S. to remain calm and peaceful in their reactions. “We need to remain calm. We need all expressions [of protest] to be peaceful,” he said.

On Saturday, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the immigration enforcement actions, particularly in Los Angeles.

Protests and Violence in Los Angeles

The ICE raids have sparked widespread protests across Los Angeles, including in the Paramount area, where the Home Depot raid occurred, and in downtown. Demonstrators have voiced outrage over the aggressive immigration actions and detentions.

However, some protests have turned violent. Police cars and other vehicles have been set ablaze, and protesters have thrown bottles and rocks. In response, law enforcement has deployed tear gas and rubber bullets. Dozens of people have been arrested amid escalating confrontations.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized President Donald Trump for exacerbating the situation by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to California. The governor accused Trump of stoking unrest for political gain and announced legal action.

“Donald Trump is putting fuel on this fire,” Newsom wrote. “Commandeering a state’s National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral. California will be taking him to court.”

He urged Angelenos to reject Trump’s provocations:
“Los Angeles: don’t take Trump’s bait. Trump wants chaos and he’s instigated violence. Those who assault law enforcement or cause property damage will risk arrest. Stay peaceful. Stay focused. Don’t give him the excuse he’s looking for.”

Trump, who has intensified his focus on mass deportations, claimed victory for deploying the National Guard, writing on Truth Social, “We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California. If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”

Stephen Miller, a key Trump advisor and deputy White House chief of staff, inflamed tensions further by calling Los Angeles “occupied territory” in a post on X, referring to the numerous foreign — particularly Mexican — flags seen during protests.

The Symbolism of the Mexican Flag

The New York Times highlighted the growing presence of Mexican and other Latin American flags as symbols of protest and unity in Los Angeles. In an article titled “The Mexican Flag Becomes a Potent L.A. Protest Symbol,” the Times reported that the Trump administration has viewed the waving of foreign flags at protests as unpatriotic or even subversive.

“Trump officials have cast flag wavers as insurrectionists and implied that they are not U.S. citizens,” the Times noted. However, for many protesters — including American citizens — waving the Mexican flag expresses pride in their heritage and solidarity with immigrants facing deportation.

“It’s about standing with our families, our neighbors,” one protester told reporters. “The flag is not a threat — it’s our identity.”

Ongoing Tensions

As protests continue and immigration enforcement ramps up, tensions between local officials and the federal government have intensified. The Mexican government remains deeply concerned, continuing diplomatic and legal efforts to protect its citizens.

“We are working closely with both U.S. and Mexican officials to ensure that the rights of our people are respected,” De la Fuente emphasized. “This situation requires calm, coordination, and firm but peaceful action.”

With escalating political rhetoric and legal battles looming, the immigration issue once again underscores the complex and often volatile relationship between federal enforcement policies and immigrant communities in the United States.

– With reports from Reforma and Infobae.

 

 

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Expanded Access: More PG&E Customers Eligible for 18 Percent Electricity Discount Under New Support Program Guidelines

Customers Encouraged to Check Their Eligibility and Apply for the Monthly Electricity Discount

by Corporate News

Oakland, California — An estimated 150,000 additional Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers are now eligible for an 18 percent discount on their electric rates.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program is being expanded to include one- and two-person households. Under previous eligibility guidelines, only households of three or more people were eligible.

The discount does not apply to gas rates.

Eligibility is based on income and household size. For example, a one- or two-person household earning up to $52,875 per year could qualify for assistance. A complete list of guidelines and information on how to apply for the monthly discount can be found here. Customers can also call the FERA program at 1-877-660-6789 or email CAREandFERA@pge.com.

In 2024, more than 39,000 PG&E customers enrolled in the FERA program received discounts totaling $21 million. Customers saved an average of more than $45 per month on their electric bills.

“Expanding the criteria for FERA discounts can offer significant savings to more households,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E Senior Vice President of Customer Experience. “We encourage our customers to apply for monthly assistance and notify other customers who may qualify.”

In 2024, the California State Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1130, which revised the eligibility guidelines, eliminating the requirement for households of three or more people to qualify for FERA. PG&E and other California investor-owned utilities are also required to report to the California Public Utilities Commission on efforts to enroll customers in the program.

Assistance Programs for Income-Eligible Households

  • California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): Offers a monthly discount of 20 percent or more on gas and electric bills. Qualifying income levels are lower than those for the FERA program.
  • Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH): Offers a one-time bill credit of up to $300 for eligible customers based on income and past-due balance.
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federally funded, state-supervised assistance program that offers a one-time payment of up to $1,500 on past-due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling their homes. Payments may vary by location and funding availability.
  • Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA): Offers free energy-saving upgrades.
  • Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): A debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.

Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers bill reductions for customers who rely on energy for certain medical needs.

Energy Efficiency Toolkit

Did you know you can lower your energy bills and save money by building an energy efficiency toolkit? By investing in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars a year.

To learn more ways to manage their monthly bills, customers are encouraged to find the best rate plan for their homes, use the new Savings Finder tool, enroll in the Budget Billing program, or visit pge.com/billhelp.

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Pacquiao to pause training for Hall of Fame induction

By the El Reportero staff

The 2025 Boxing Hall of Fame weekend in Canastota will have a unique highlight as Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao—still an active boxer—joins the ranks of inductees. Preparing for his July 19 bout against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, Pacquiao will briefly pause training to attend the ceremony and leave his handprints as a symbol of his legacy.

Though he retired after his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugás, the three-year eligibility window has now opened the doors for his Hall of Fame induction. At 46, Pacquiao remains the only fighter to win world titles in eight weight divisions. His career continues to defy norms, even as he’s honored among boxing’s greats.

Pacquiao will share the stage with fellow inductees Vinny Paz and Michael Nunn. On the women’s side, honorees include Yessica Chávez, Anne Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Cathy Davis. Other recognitions go to figures outside the ring: referee Kenny Bayless, cutman Al Gavin, referee Harry Gibbs, journalist Randy Gordon, and TV producer Ross Greenburg. Rodrigo Valdez and Owen Swift will be honored posthumously.

This weekend marks a celebration of both legacy and ongoing ambition. Seeing Pacquiao, Paz, and Nunn together symbolizes different eras of greatness. As Canastota becomes, once again, boxing’s center stage, fans look ahead: Can Pacquiao triumph in his return, or will history repeat itself, as it did for Sugar Ray Leonard, who lost to Héctor Camacho after his own post-induction comeback?

So far, Pacquiao appears to be in peak form. His speed, conditioning, and drive seem undiminished. July 19 will test that readiness. But this weekend belongs to recognition, celebration, and reflection—on a career filled with unforgettable nights, global triumphs, and a fighter who united nations through the power of his fists.

Pacquiao’s story isn’t finished just yet. His presence in Canastota is more than symbolic—it’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t always end with retirement. Fans around the world will watch closely as a living legend takes his place in history, while still daring to chase one more victory in the ring.

 

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Harp Concert at SJMA

by Magdy Zara

The Silicon Valley Youth Harp Ensemble offers a beautiful evening concert of harp music, which will be the perfect complement to your visit to the museum.

The harp is recognized for its elegant combination of form and function. Harps date back to ancient Egypt and produce expressive, soothing, and peaceful sounds.

The San Jose Museum of Art supports the Silicon Valley Youth Harp Ensemble Success Program (also known as YES), which aims to provide a friendly, musically fun social environment that encourages students to learn and share. Playing in an ensemble inspires students to continue their commitment to music. The YES Program is designed to offer sequential and practical objectives for students to develop performance skills and musical appreciation. The concert will take place this Saturday, June 7, starting at 2 p.m. at the SJMA, located at 110 South Market Street in San José. Admission is free with museum admission.

Wepa Fest Celebrates Puerto Rican Culture

San José comes together to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and heritage with Wepa Fest 2005, a show organized jointly by the Latin American Art and Culture Movement and San José Jazz.

For the second consecutive year, Wepa Fest is a free, family-friendly celebration that brings together Puerto Rican and Caribbean citizens to celebrate the music, culture, and food of this country.

Last year, it featured three renowned salsa bands: Latin Rhythm Boys, Orquesta Taino, and La Mixta Criolla.

This free event will offer top-notch musical performances based on Puerto Rican culture, including salsa, bomba, and plena, complemented by hands-on art activities for families, and Caribbean food and drinks. This will be a free, family-friendly event, taking place on June 13th, starting at 4 p.m., in Pobladores Park, located in front of MACLA, 510 S 1st St, San José.

RhythmALlogy: A New Children’s Program

The RhythmALlogy children’s program is an event created and directed by percussionist Aaron Kierbel. RhythmALlogy is an innovative interactive program for children that combines movement, body percussion, and group percussion.

Each of these sessions is specially designed to cultivate and unleash the rhythmic potential of children under 10 years old, who will experience irrepressible bursts of dancing, laughter, a unique sense of connection with others, and a temporary relief from self-criticism.

ALlogy draws on his talent to encourage children to explore and share their rhythmic spirit.

This children’s program has two performances on Friday, June 13th, one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and another at 12 p.m.

The event will be held at the Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Garden, located at 799 Howard St, San Francisco.

La Moderna Tradición Orchestra in Concert

If you’re looking to enjoy classical Cuban music and dance salsa and timba, don’t miss the La Moderna Tradición Orchestra concert, which exudes the sweet and powerful sound of the Afro-Cuban charanga.

This concert features violins and wind instruments with Afro-Cuban rhythms. It will also feature Tregar Otton, Eduardo Herrera, Michael Spiro, Maru Pérez-Viana, Jason Moen, Pablo Caro, Ayla Dávila, Carlitos Medrano, John Calloway, and Sandy Poindexter.

The event is on June 18th at Yoshis located at 510 Embarcadero West in Oakland.

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Mexico’s Museum of Anthropology wins prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Concord

by the El Reportero‘s news services

La Piedra del Sol Mexica es un artefacto icónico que es imperdible ver en el museo principal de la Ciudad de México.

The National Museum of Anthropology (MNA) in Mexico City has won the 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Concord, as the foundation recognized on Wednesday the museum’s contribution to preserving Mexico’s anthropological heritage.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation, a prestigious Spanish non-profit private institution that promotes scientific, cultural and humanistic values, lauded the MNA as “heir to a long-standing tradition of defending and preserving an essential part of humanity’s anthropological heritage (that) simultaneously expresses the hallmarks of a great nation, signs of identity to which its people genuinely relate.”

The MNA opened in Chapultepec Park in 1964 with a design by Pedro Ramírez that was immediately viewed as a valuable example of modernity and the avant-garde. Its mission to research, conserve, exhibit and disseminate Mexico’s most important archaeological and ethnographic collections has made it one of the most important museums in Latin America and the most popular in Mexico City, attracting 3.7 million visitors in 2024.

The Concord Award, announced on Wednesday, is “aimed at recognizing the work of defending and advancing human rights, as well as of promoting and protecting peace, freedom, solidarity, world heritage and, in general, the progress of humanity.”

The foundation has seven other categories of awards: the Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Communication and Humanities, Technical and Scientific Research, International Cooperation and Sports.

Winners of the Concord Award receive a prize fund of €50,000 (1 million pesos/US $56,900) and a sculpture created by the Catalan artist Joan Miró (1893-1983).

The MNA recently invested 45 million pesos (US $2.2 million) in the construction of five new rooms housing almost 6,000 archaeological, ethnographic and artisanal pieces from the pre-conquest section to an area showcasing Mexico’s contemporary cultural traditions, which opened in January.

Previous MNA distinctions include the Government of the Federal District’s 1808 Medal and the United Mexico Foundation 2010 “For the Excellence of What is Ours” Award.

The award comes a day after the museum had to close early on Tuesday, citing a shortage of security personnel.

Other National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) institutions, such as the Templo Mayor Museum, the Museo del Carmen and the Museum of Interventions, were also closed to the public.

The closure followed a Sunday announcement that the INAH changed its security from the Mexico City Auxiliary Police to a private company.

With reports from Expansión and El Universal

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California bill could raise car dealer fee cap to $500

by the El Reportero staff

California lawmakers are considering a bill that would significantly increase the amount car dealers can charge to process vehicle sales documents.

Currently capped at $85, the fee could jump to $500 under Senate Bill 791, which is set for a vote in the full state Senate. The bill, authored by Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), would allow dealers to charge up to 1 percent of a vehicle’s purchase price, with a $500 maximum.

Supporters, including the California New Car Dealers Association, argue that dealers deserve compensation for the administrative burden of processing sales. However, consumer advocates say the bill would hurt buyers.

Rosemary Shahan, president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, called it a “huge giveaway” to large corporations like Tesla and CarMax. “Some dealers, like Carvana, don’t charge these fees at all,” she said.

Shahan noted that California currently has one of the most consumer-friendly caps in the nation. If the bill passes, it would reverse that trend and make buying a car more expensive for residents.

Cortese did not respond to a request for comment by deadline, though he has previously stated the bill aims to cover actual dealer costs.

Scam warnings issued for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Medicare loses $60 billion to $80 billion a year to fraud and this year, for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, your local Senior Medicare Patrol has good advice on how to spot a con.

During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, experts are warning seniors to stay alert for scams that cost the program up to $80 billion each year.

Karen Joy Fletcher with California Health Advocates said many scams begin with fake calls claiming to verify Medicare numbers. “They want to steal your information to bill for services you’ll never get,” she said.

Fletcher also warned of fraud involving unsolicited medical equipment or people offering free services in parking lots. These are often schemes to bill Medicare fraudulently.

One particularly harmful scam involves enrolling people into hospice care without consent. Once in hospice, Medicare may limit access to needed surgeries or treatments. MyMedicare.gov.

To guard against fraud, Fletcher urged people to regularly check their Medicare statements at MyMedicare.gov. “It’s the best way to catch suspicious charges early,” she said.

Caregivers should also monitor for unexpected deliveries or medical claims. If something doesn’t look right, contact the local Senior Medicare Patrol for help.

“Awareness is the best defense,” Fletcher said. “These scams are preventable if we stay

 

 

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Biden admin knew COVID shot risks in early 2021 but kept silent for months: Senate report

The Biden administration was warned of cardiovascular dangers associated with the COVID vaccines in February 2021 yet kept in quiet until June, according to a Senate report

by Calvin Freiburger

The Biden administration was aware of cardiovascular dangers associated with the COVID-19 vaccines as early as its second month in office yet delayed disclosing them for months, according to a report by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

The Daily Wire obtained a copy of the report, which uncovered a February 2021 email from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Safety Technical Work Group (VaST) co-lead Lauri Markowitz that reported of the almost 1,000 post-vaccination deaths reported at the time, those with “known” causes were “often cardiovascular.”

The report further noted that Israel, which began vaccinating earlier than the United States, notified CDC officials that it found “large reports of myocarditis, particularly in young people, following the administration of the Pfizer vaccine.”

However, “(r)ather than provide the public and health care providers with immediate and transparent information regarding the risk of myocarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, the Biden administration waited until late June 2021 to announce changes to the labels for the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines based on the ‘suggested increased risks’ of myocarditis and pericarditis,” the report found. “Even though CDC and FDA officials were well aware of the risk of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, the Biden administration opted to withhold issuing a formal warning to the public for months about the safety concerns, jeopardizing the health of young Americans.”

“For a number of months, they were talking about these things. At some point in time, they actually internally said, ‘Is there a signal of myocarditis, a safety signal?’ And the answer was ‘Yes,’” said Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, chair of the committee. “And yet, a couple of days later, they decided not to issue a warning on the Health Alert Network (HAN). Rather than provide informed consent, the federal health agencies, the Biden administration, covered it up. They downplayed the signals.”

Johnson added that the Biden administration stonewalled his committee, but the Trump administration is “beginning to produce records, pursuant to the chairman’s subpoena, that should have been provided years ago, without redactions, to Congress and the public.”

The federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) reports 38,615 deaths, 220,701 hospitalizations, 22,531 heart attacks, and 29,150 myocarditis and pericarditis cases as of April 25, among other ailments. CDC researchers have recognized a “high verification rate of reports of myocarditis to VAERS after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination,” leading to the conclusion that “under-reporting is more likely” than over-reporting.

An analysis of 99 million people across eight countries published in the journal Vaccine “observed significantly higher risks of myocarditis following the first, second and third doses” of mRNA-based COVID vaccines, as well as signs of increased risk of “pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis,” and other “potential safety signals that require further investigation.” In April 2024, the CDC was forced to release by court order 780,000 previously undisclosed reports of serious adverse reactions, and a study out of Japan found “statistically significant increases” in cancer deaths after third doses of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, and offered several theories for a causal link.

In January, a long-awaited Florida grand jury report on the COVID vaccine manufacturers found that while only a miniscule percentage of the millions of vaccinations resulted in serious harm based on the data it had access to, such events do occur, and there are “profound and serious issues” in pharmaceutical companies’ review process, including reluctance to share what evidence of adverse events they did find.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Last week, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad co-authored a paper announcing new safety trials before future COVID-19 shot recommendations, but also that they anticipated continuing to recommend the shots for everyone older than 65 and for most children and adults with a wide range of “risk factors.”

This week, however, Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that they were withdrawing recommendations for healthy children or healthy pregnant women to receive the shot. LifeSite.

 

 

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Headline: Sudden ICE arrests at courthouses tear families apart without due process

by Marvin Ramírez

Imagine a father stepping into court, not to flee from justice but to comply with it — to check in, to follow protocol, to resolve his case. Then, without warning, he disappears into detention, hundreds of miles away, leaving behind his children, his job, his American-citizen wife, and an entire life built over decades. That is exactly what is happening right now in our communities.

The recent case of Miguel Angel Lopez Luvian — a 47-year-old father of three from Livermore who has lived in the United States for 27 years — is a harrowing example. On May 27, Miguel walked into a routine immigration appointment in San Francisco, as he had done many times before. He was not evading the law. He had an active legal case, was complying with the process, and was the sole breadwinner for his family. Moments later, he was detained by ICE and swiftly relocated to a facility 250 miles away, in McFarland, California.

His wife Rosa, an American citizen, said she received a stunned phone call from him, urging her to contact his lawyer — then his phone went dead. Like countless others in his position, Miguel was complying with the system and actively pursuing legal resolution. Yet he was treated as if he were hiding or absconding from the law. His arrest feels more like an ambush than a lawful detainment.

Even more disturbing, the same day saw ICE agents conducting other “unusual” arrests in San Francisco, including detaining people just outside — or even inside — federal courtrooms. Attorneys and reporters described plainclothed agents who refused to identify themselves, taking individuals into custody without stating a reason. This is deeply troubling. Historically, immigration court has been a place where ICE exercises restraint, especially when individuals have pending legal matters. It’s supposed to be a zone where due process takes precedence. That norm now appears to be collapsing.

The consequences are devastating. These expedited detentions are inhumane not only because of how they’re executed, but because they disregard the complex human lives entangled in each case. People like Miguel are not criminals hiding in the shadows. They are parents, taxpayers, community members. They are spouses of U.S. citizens, caretakers of children, workers supporting local economies.

In Miguel’s case, he has paid taxes, supported his family, and lived peacefully in the Bay Area for nearly three decades. He and Rosa have been married since 2001 and known each other since they were teenagers. Despite their efforts to regularize his status, including appeals to higher courts, Miguel was detained with no warning — while his case is still active.

Is this what justice looks like?

Detaining people during pending court processes strips them not only of their legal rights but their humanity. It punishes people who are complying, discourages others from showing up, and threatens the very notion of due process. Moreover, these detentions fracture families overnight. Children are left without a parent, spouses without support, and families without income — all in the blink of an eye.

If the justification is the reimplementation of a so-called “rule of law,” as Homeland Security officials claim, then why is the law applied so unevenly and arbitrarily? Why are people who are complying being detained without resolution of their legal cases? Why are detentions occurring before the facts are fully reviewed?

This is not the return of lawful order — it’s the abandonment of fairness.

We must remember that justice is not about punishment for punishment’s sake. It is about process, rights, and respect for human dignity. A government that strips people of those principles while they are actively engaging with the system is a government acting in bad faith.

Furthermore, these actions inflict long-lasting trauma on children and spouses — many of whom are citizens — and deepen fear in immigrant communities. When breadwinners are taken without warning, entire families spiral into crisis. Community trust is shattered, legal processes are undermined, and America’s promise of fairness becomes hollow.

Protests are already forming, such as the June 4 rally in Livermorium Plaza demanding Miguel’s release. But rallies should not be the only way to stop the injustice. Elected officials, community leaders, and all Americans of conscience must demand a return to principled immigration enforcement — one that recognizes due process and the sanctity of the family.

Until then, we must ask: how many more families must be torn apart before fairness prevails?

With reports from KTVU, NBC Bay Area, and KPIX.

 

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US embassy debunks viral ‘narco-politician’ list

by the El Reportero’s wire services

The United States Embassy in Mexico denounced as “false” a supposed U.S. government statement that purported to identify various “political leaders in Mexico with ties to drug cartels.”

The embassy published the “false” statement to social media on Tuesday in a post that included a five-word message:

“WARNING. This information is false.”

The Embassy of Mexico in the United States also denounced the statement as “false.”

“About the supposed information that circulates on some [social media] accounts regarding a statement of the [U.S.] Department of State about Mexico, this embassy confirms that it is completely false,” it said.

Which politicians were named in the fake statement?

The statement denounced by the U.S. and Mexican embassies includes a U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal and has the heading “DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLITICAL LEADERS IN MEXICO WITH TIES TO DRUG CARTELS.”

It states:

“The State Department has confirmed the implementation of a secret sanctions mechanism targeting Mexican political figures identified as having ties to drug cartels. Marina del Pilar [Ávila], the Governor of Baja California, for her association with the leader of the ‘Los Rusos’ drug cartel in Baja California.

Ruben Rocha Moya (Sinaloa)

Américo Villareal (Tamaulipas)

Samuel García (Nuevo León)

Layda Sansores (Campeche)

Ricardo Monreal Ávila (Ex-Governor, Zacatecas)”

Rocha, Villareal, García and Sansores are current state governors. Monreal is the leader of the ruling Morena party in the lower house of Congress.

The context 

The circulation of the fake statement on social media and the U.S. and Mexican embassies’ denunciation of it came after Marina del Pilar Ávila revealed last month that the United States had revoked tourist visas for her and her husband, Carlos Torres Torres.

The Baja California governor asserted she hadn’t done anything wrong, declaring that the revocation of her visa was “an administrative decision, not an accusation.”

She rejected claims that she is involved in money laundering. The United States government hasn’t revealed the reason why it revoked the tourist visas of Ávila and Torres, who, like his wife, is a Morena party politician.

Citing unnamed United States officials, the U.S. investigative journalism organization ProPublica reported on May 15 that “the Trump administration has begun to impose travel restrictions and other sanctions on prominent Mexican politicians whom it believes are linked to drug corruption.”

“So far, two Mexican political figures have acknowledged being banned from traveling to the United States,” ProPublica said, referring to Ávila and her husband.

“But U.S. officials said they expect more Mexicans to be targeted as the administration works through a list of several dozen political figures who have been identified by law enforcement and intelligence agencies as having ties to the drug trade. The list includes leaders of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s governing party, several state governors and political figures close to her predecessor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the U.S. officials said.”

A few days before ProPublica published its report, journalist Salvador García Soto wrote in a column for the newspaper El Universal that the Trump administration, “through its powerful Secretary of State Marco Rubio has commenced the ‘hunt’ for Mexican politicians, which, according to their investigations, have links to drug trafficking.”

García asserted that the Department of State has a so-called “list of Marco” that includes “at least 44 names of prominent officials and politicians” from Mexico with alleged links to drug trafficking, including federal ministers, governors, mayors and lawmakers.

He wrote that the list includes “politicians from all existing parties in Mexico,” but “the majority of those mentioned are active members of Morena, the party of President Sheinbaum, and some have a very close relationship with her and with the ex-president López Obrador.”

Asked on May 15 about a supposed U.S. “narcolista,” or “narco-list,” that includes the names of “narcogobernadores” (narco-governors) and other officials, Sheinbaum responded:

“There are a lot of rumors. They are rumors.”

She said that her government had not received any notification from the United States government about the existence of “lists” of politicians with links to drug cartels.

“In this case, you ask the Department of State and you’re told ‘No, there is nothing,’” Sheinbaum said.

On Wednesday, she expressed surprise that the U.S. Embassy felt the need to denounce the fake statement (and clearly fake at that) that has been disseminated on social media.

For its part, the government of Tamaulipas last month rejected claims that Villareal’s U.S. visa had been revoked.

ProPublica said in its report that the Morena party governor of the northern border state “has been frequently accused of having ties to drug trafficking, which he has denied.”

In early 2024, ProPublica, German state-owned news organization Deutsche Welle and crime-focused media outlet Insight Crime all published reports that said that people working for the 2018 presidential election campaign of former president López Obrador received between US $2 million and $4 million from drug traffickers affiliated with the Beltrán-Leyva Organization and the Sinaloa Cartel.

López Obrador rejected the reports, describing them as “completely false.”

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)

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Dates: The natural sweetness your body will thank you for

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by The El Reportero staff

In a world where we are increasingly conscious of what we eat, dates are re-emerging as an ancient food packed with health benefits. This fruit, native to the Middle East and cultivated for over 6,000 years, has been part of the diet of numerous cultures for one simple reason: it is a true natural superfood.

Eaten both fresh and dried, dates stand out for their sweet flavor, fleshy texture, and versatility in the kitchen. But beyond their culinary value, this fruit has a nutritional profile worthy of attention.

A Natural Source of Energy

One of the most obvious benefits of dates is their high energy content. With approximately 280 calories per 100 grams, mostly from natural sugars such as glucose and fructose, dates are an excellent snack for athletes or people with high physical demands. Unlike processed foods loaded with refined sugar, dates provide clean energy, along with fiber and micronutrients.

Rich in fiber and digestively healthy

Fiber is an essential component for healthy digestion, and dates are a good source of it. Consuming dates regularly can promote intestinal transit, prevent constipation, and help maintain a balanced gut microbiota. In fact, it is estimated that just three medium-sized dates can provide around 2 grams of fiber.

Furthermore, due to their satiating effect, they can be an ally in weight-control diets, as long as they are consumed in moderation.

Potassium and more: a cocktail of micronutrients

Dates are also rich in minerals, especially potassium, an essential electrolyte for muscle function and cardiovascular health. A few dates can provide as much potassium as a small banana.

They also contain magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin B6, key nutrients for the functioning of the nervous system, red blood cell production, and protein metabolism.

Antioxidants that Protect

It’s not just their sweetness that makes dates special: they are also an important source of natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid, which help combat oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Regular consumption of antioxidants is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this sense, dates represent a natural and tasty way to maintain long-term health.

A Substitute for Processed Sugar

More and more people are turning to dates as a natural sweetener. Grinding them can produce a thick paste that serves as a healthy sugar substitute in desserts, smoothies, breads, and cookies. Unlike refined sugar, which lacks nutrients, this date paste retains all the nutritional benefits of the original fruit. Furthermore, their moderate glycemic index means that their consumption does not cause sudden spikes in blood glucose, especially when accompanied by healthy fats or proteins.

How to incorporate them into your diet

Dates can be enjoyed alone as a snack, stuffed with nuts, in salads, yogurts, desserts, and even in savory dishes like tagines or couscous. One of the most appreciated varieties is the Medjool, known for its large size and softness, making them ideal for eating unprocessed.

It is recommended to store them in a cool place or in the refrigerator if they are fresh, and check for mold or fermentation before eating them.

A sweet legacy

Far from being a passing fad, dates remind us that nature offers sweet, healthy, and sustainable options. In a context where many people are looking to reduce their consumption of sugar and ultra-processed products, this fruit is positioned as a simple, effective, and delicious alternative.

More than just a fruit, dates are a legacy of nutritional wisdom that continues to bear fruit, from desert oases to modern tables.

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