Musk Litters Mexico, Radical Judiciary, and a $1.5B Quarry
Mexico Decoded’s weekly briefing makes sense of the news that matters
1. Mexico’s Radical Judiciary Experiment
Starting today, Mexico begins an unprecedented overhaul of its judicial system. Half of the nation’s judges, elected in June, will take office, making Mexico the only country where every judge and justice is ultimately chosen by popular vote.
Decoded:
By putting judges on the ballot, Mexico is opening its courts to public accountability. The shift promises to break elite control, bring fresh legitimacy to the judiciary, and make justice more responsive to ordinary citizens.
2. Musk Litters Mexico
Mexican activists are protesting SpaceX launches in Texas after rocket debris fell into Mexican waters, damaging marine habitats and threatening endangered sea turtles. The government is considering legal action against Musk.
Decoded:
Before Musk reaches Mars, his trash is crashing into Mexico—wrecking habitats while paying nothing to clean up the mess.
3. A Kingpin Hands Washington a Weapon
Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the elusive Sinaloa cartel boss, pleaded guilty in the U.S. to bribing Mexican politicians for decades. His lawyer says he won’t name names, but the admission has shaken Mexico’s political class.
Decoded:
Zambada’s confession gives Washington a weapon. The kingpin can say whatever U.S. prosecutors need, whenever they need it—turning his words into a tool against Mexico’s political enemies.
4. Murder Rate Plunges
In her first national address, Claudia Sheinbaum touted a 25% drop in homicides from 2024, new cash transfers for women 60–64, expanded education, 200,000 public housing units, and major infrastructure and water projects.
Decoded:
An achievement-heavy speech, but the real subplot is political: the unprecedented homicide drop elevates security chief Omar García Harfuch—Sheinbaum’s ally—as a contender for Mexico’s future presidency.
5. Mexico’s $1.5B Problem
The Mexican government is in a dispute with U.S. company Vulcan Materials over a Caribbean quarry and port. Officials shut the site, citing environmental damage and plans to use the land for a public train project. Vulcan responded with an international arbitration case, seeking $1.5 billion in compensation.
Decoded:
Mexico now risks billion-dollar penalties for protecting its environment and pursuing public works—a stark example of how arbitration can strong-arm democratic choices in developing countries.