In the bustling heart of Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum stands at a political crossroads, balancing soaring domestic approval with the complex realities of international diplomacy. Her presidency, just shy of its one-year mark, has been marked by a blend of bold reform, steadfast nationalism, and a willingness to confront powerful neighbors—most notably the United States. This week, Sheinbaum’s leadership was once again thrust into the spotlight after two Mexican migrants died on U.S. soil under troubling circumstances, prompting a diplomatic response that underscores her administration’s core philosophy: cooperation without subordination.
Sheinbaum’s popularity at home is nothing short of remarkable. According to data cited by CubaSí, she enjoys an approval rating between 74% and 80%—a figure that surpasses even the high-water mark set by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. This groundswell of support reflects not only public admiration for her domestic agenda but also her resolute approach to foreign policy challenges, particularly those emanating from Washington.
On September 24, 2025, Sheinbaum addressed the nation during her daily news conference at the National Palace. The news was somber: two Mexican migrants had died in the United States under distressing circumstances. One, whose name was not disclosed, died in a U.S. hospital on September 23, reportedly as a result of detention. The other, Silverio Villegas, a man from Michoacan, was fatally shot by an unidentified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in a Chicago suburb on September 12. Villegas’s death was particularly harrowing—he was shot just after dropping off his two children at a nearby elementary school and daycare center, according to Reuters.
Sheinbaum’s response was swift and unequivocal. “We sent a diplomatic note on this case asking all the investigations be carried out, and that if there is a responsibility of violation of human rights, that it be sanctioned,” she stated during the press conference. The president also confirmed that a separate diplomatic note had been sent regarding Villegas’s death, signaling her administration’s determination to seek accountability and justice for Mexican nationals abroad.
While these tragedies have cast a shadow over bilateral relations, they also highlight the principles guiding Sheinbaum’s foreign policy. As she explained earlier this year, the relationship with the United States is rooted in “shared responsibility, mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and territoriality, and cooperation without subordination.” It’s a delicate dance—one that requires Mexico to assert its interests firmly while maintaining open channels of communication with its northern neighbor.
Sheinbaum’s approach to U.S. relations is just one facet of a broader reform agenda that has transformed Mexico’s political and economic landscape. In the first months of her administration, she championed 19 constitutional reforms and 40 new laws, all aimed at strengthening social rights, national sovereignty, and democratic institutions. Perhaps most notably, the reform of the judiciary led to the popular election of judges and magistrates in June 2025—a move hailed by CubaSí as "an unprecedented and profoundly democratic event" that aims to end an era of nepotism and corruption.
Her government has also enacted a series of measures designed to fortify Mexico’s sovereignty and social fabric. These include the incorporation of the National Guard into the Ministry of National Defense, constitutional recognition of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples, the restoration of Pemex and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) as people’s enterprises, and the promotion of substantive equality for women. Environmental reforms have not been neglected either, with bans on genetically modified corn and vaping, and new protections against foreign interference.
The results of these reforms are palpable. Mexico is consolidating a new economic model that marries macroeconomic stability with shared prosperity. The nation now boasts the second-lowest inequality rate in the Americas—trailing only Canada. Poverty has dropped to 29.5%, foreign direct investment reached a record $36 billion in the first half of 2025, inflation stood at 3.5% in July, and unemployment has fallen to 2.7%, among the lowest globally. These statistics, reported by CubaSí, challenge the predictions of international financial organizations and underscore the resilience of Mexico’s economy under Sheinbaum’s stewardship.
But Sheinbaum’s vision extends beyond borders. She has consistently voiced support for the Palestinian people and taken a strong stand against warmongering policies worldwide. Her administration has also shown solidarity with Cuba, notably in opposing the U.S. blockade and facilitating continued Cuban medical aid to Mexico. As she emphasized, "despite all the machinations, the United States will continue to strengthen ties with Cuba, and the necessary Cuban medical aid for the Mexican people will continue to be accepted." This stance has earned her admiration both at home and abroad, reinforcing Mexico’s reputation as a nation committed to justice and humanitarian causes.
Yet, these achievements have not come without challenges. The persistent flow of arms from the United States continues to fuel crime in Mexico, complicating efforts to maintain security and social order. Sheinbaum has not shied away from addressing these issues, often calling for greater cooperation from U.S. authorities to stem the tide of illegal weapons and to ensure the safety and dignity of Mexican nationals, whether at home or abroad.
Her administration’s "Mexico Embraces You" program, designed to assist tens of thousands of migrants, has been widely accepted and praised for its humanitarian approach. The program’s success, coupled with the achievement of the lowest number of tariffs in the world, reflects a broader commitment to fair trade and the protection of vulnerable populations. These efforts are emblematic of Sheinbaum’s philosophy: to build bridges, not walls, and to seek solutions that respect the sovereignty and dignity of all parties involved.
As Mexico moves forward, the path ahead remains complex. The deaths of Mexican migrants in the United States serve as a stark reminder of the human costs at stake in cross-border relations. At the same time, they provide an opportunity for Sheinbaum to reaffirm her commitment to justice, transparency, and the protection of her people—values that have defined her presidency thus far.
With domestic support at historic highs and a reform agenda that continues to reshape the nation, Claudia Sheinbaum faces the future with a blend of pragmatism and idealism. Her administration’s response to adversity—whether from economic pressures, foreign policy challenges, or humanitarian crises—reflects a leadership style that is both resolute and compassionate. For many Mexicans, and indeed for observers around the world, Sheinbaum represents a new chapter in the country’s ongoing quest for dignity, sovereignty, and shared prosperity.