Sheinbaum Discusses U.S.-Mexico Relations, Remittance Tax, and Safety Concerns
President Claudia Sheinbaum held a press conference addressing U.S.-Mexico relations, tariff negotiations, and a proposed remittance tax. She discussed arms trafficking concerns, the deportation of a Mexican citizen, and highlighted Mexico’s strong economic indicators despite global challenges. She affirmed the government’s commitment to public safety and maintaining dialogue with international partners.
In a press conference held on Thursday, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed multiple pressing topics, kicking off the session later than usual, at 8:30 a.m., due to a prior phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. She discussed ongoing negotiations regarding U.S. tariffs affecting Mexico, including those on vehicles, steel, and aluminum. The president emphasized the positive state of relations between Mexico and the United States and announced that Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is heading to Washington D.C. on Friday to further these discussions. Sheinbaum stated, “We’re working to reduce the tariffs even more,” after having spoken with Trump multiple times.
Among the hot topics was the United States House of Representatives’ approval of a budget bill that incorporates a 3.5% tax on remittances sent by non-citizen immigrants. This was a decrease from an earlier proposal of a 5% tax, which would significantly impact the substantial remittance flows from the United States to Mexico. “In any case, we don’t want there to be a tax,” Sheinbaum stated, further stressing efforts to eliminate any taxation on these funds. Mexican officials are engaging with U.S. lawmakers to advocate against this proposed tax, which Sheinbaum called “unconstitutional” and vowing to take necessary measures to stop it from becoming law.
On another note, Sheinbaum responded to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent acknowledgment of the arms trafficking issue from the United States to Mexico. She noted that during her first conversation with Trump, she highlighted the challenges posed by arms trafficking. Since then, the U.S. government has purportedly made several weapons seizures linked to Mexican cartels, marking a possible shift in acknowledgment from the Trump administration regarding this serious issue.
Additionally, the president addressed the case of Jesus Muñoz Gutiérrez, a Mexican citizen who faced deportation to Africa by U.S. authorities after being convicted of second-degree murder. Sheinbaum remarked that her administration had not been informed about Muñoz’s deportation, explaining that if he seeks repatriation, the United States must return him to Mexico. This situation has raised concerns, especially as a federal judge halted the deportation process and ordered that the individuals involved remain in Djibouti instead of being sent to South Sudan.
In her remarks regarding the economy, Sheinbaum highlighted the resilience of Mexico’s national indicators. She pointed out that foreign direct investment in the first quarter surpassing that of the previous year shows strong investor confidence, despite global economic uncertainties.
Addressing safety concerns, amid recent violent events including the killing of two aides to Mayor Clara Brugada, Sheinbaum dismissed suggestions that her government would enhance security measures for officials, including herself, asserting, “No, we don’t plan to.” She emphasized her commitment to remaining in close contact with the public, stating that distancing from citizens would undermine the government’s purpose.
With various issues on the table, the president conveyed the complexities ahead, balancing Mexico’s economic interests and safety amidst evolving international relations and internal challenges.
In summary, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Thursday press conference covered critical topics including tariff negotiations with the U.S., potential taxes on remittances, arms trafficking acknowledgment, and responses to the deportation of a Mexican citizen. She reinforced her commitment to maintaining close ties with the public and highlighted Mexico’s economic resilience despite global uncertainties. Upcoming negotiations and ongoing advocacy against financial burdens represented key takeaways from the session.
Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com
