Stay informed on Mexico’s top stories: cattle pest dispute with the U.S., Jalisco quake impact, narco-terrorism charges, Alsea’s deal, storm season outlook.
Mexico Escalates Tensions with the United States Over Screwworm
President Claudia Sheinbaum and Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegué escalated tensions with the United States over the resurgence of the screwworm pest that threatens Mexico’s cattle industry. At a morning press conference, Berdegué charged that U.S. authorities have been slow to supply the sterile flies needed to contain the outbreak, which first reappeared in Panama in June 2023 and has since traveled over 3,700 km to Mexico’s southern border. In response, Mexico will tighten inspections on all cattle movements from its southern states and increase the weekly dispersal of sterile flies—rising to 1 billion in the coming days—while ruling out a full border closure to avoid disrupting national meat supplies. Meanwhile, Washington suspended Mexican cattle imports for two weeks over contagion fears.
Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Struck off Jalisco Coast
Late on May 13, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Jalisco at a depth of 10 km, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported. Coastal communities from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo felt strong tremors, although there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Authorities continue to monitor for aftershocks and assess potential impacts on infrastructure and fisheries.
U.S. Announced Narco-Terrorism Charges Against Mexico Cartel
In San Diego, U.S. federal prosecutors announced narco-terrorism charges against Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, alleged leaders of the Beltrán Leyva Organization. The indictment marks the first time the U.S. has applied a “foreign terrorist organization” label to Mexican drug cartel figures, accusing them of trafficking massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, and providing material support for terrorism. Five additional high-ranking members of the network face charges of drug trafficking and money laundering.
Mexican Restaurant Conglomerate Alsea Strengthened its Regional Footprint
In corporate news, Mexican restaurant conglomerate Alsea strengthened its regional footprint by acquiring the 30 percent stake that Colombian food processor Nutresa held in Estrella Andina, the operator of Starbucks franchises in Colombia. The deal, signed on May 13, transfers Nutresa’s shares in the 72 Starbucks outlets across Colombia to Alsea’s subsidiary, Café Sirena, underscoring Alsea’s strategy to consolidate its presence in Latin America’s food-service sector.
Mexico Prepares for Hurricane Season 2025
As Mexico prepares for its annual storm season, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) has reminded residents that the Eastern Pacific season officially begins on May 15 and the Atlantic season on June 1, both running through November 30. Conagua forecasts 16 to 20 named storms in the Pacific—with four to six potentially reaching Category 3 or higher—and 13 to 17 in the Atlantic basin. Coastal communities from Baja California Sur to Quintana Roo are urged to finalize emergency plans and stock essential supplies ahead of the heightened cyclone activity.
