Mexico Roundup: Anti-abortion policy, Gulf of Mexico renamed, Houthi rebels' detainee returns
Trump reinstates the 'Mexico City Policy' banning funding for international abortions
President Donald Trump reinstated the "Mexico City Policy," which bans U.S. government funding for foreign organisations that provide or promote abortions. This executive order revokes former President Joe Biden's directive that eliminated the policy, originally established by Ronald Reagan in 1985. According to CNA, the rule prohibits taxpayer support for foreign NGOs involved in abortion-related activities, though foreign governments are exempt. Pro-life advocates praised the reinstatement, while Democratic leaders, like Sen. Patty Murray, criticized it as a dangerous restriction on reproductive health services. Trump also targeted Biden's policies linked to the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions in the U.S.
Migrants in shackles led on to US military plane
US military aircraft, under orders from President Donald Trump, have begun flying detained migrants out of the country, marking a rare use of military planes for this purpose. The first deportation flights carried about 160 migrants to Guatemala, while another flight intended for Mexico was denied access by Mexican authorities. The operation aligns with Trump’s commitment to combat illegal immigration, highlighted by increasing arrests across the US, nearly doubling ICE's daily average. Additionally, Trump plans to deploy more military personnel to the southern border and prioritise the deportation of migrants with criminal backgrounds. Critics have raised concerns over ICE's methods, including conducting workplace raids without warrants, Sky News reports.
Mexico denies US deportation flight landing after miscommunication
A miscommunication regarding a Defense Department manifest led to Mexico rejecting a U.S. deportation flight this week, although Mexico was otherwise prepared to accept the deportees, according to a senior State Department official. While two Air Force C-17 flights deported approximately 160 illegal immigrants to Guatemala, a third flight to Mexico never took off. As reported by Fox News, tensions surrounding the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, including the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy, have strained U.S.-Mexico relations. Despite this incident, the State Department noted that Mexico has cooperated effectively throughout the week, and Trump has deployed 1,500 troops to the southern border as part of his immigration crackdown.
US officially renames Gulf of Mexico and Denali Peak
The US Department of the Interior has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Denali Peak in Alaska to Mount McKinley, following an executive order by President Trump. This decision aims to honour US heritage and historical figures. The renaming has elicited mixed responses, particularly from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who criticised US dominance and humorously suggested renaming the US to "Mexican America." She emphasised the importance of dialogue and asserted that Mexico will not be subordinate to the US, Shafaq News reports.
Mexican sailor returns home after 14 months in Houthi rebel captivity
Mexican sailor Arturo Zacarías Meza returned to his hometown of Misantla, Veracruz, on January 24, 2025, after being held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen for 14 months. He was part of the crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, seized by the rebels in November 2023 while transiting the Red Sea. Celebrations welcomed Zacarías home, where neighbours prepared his favourite dish, carnitas, and a band played his favourite song. AP highlights that the crew, consisting of members from various countries, was initially held aboard the ship before being moved to a safe house as they gained the trust of their captors. Their release was facilitated by Oman, and Zacarías expressed gratitude for his safe return, wearing a shirt featuring the Virgin of Guadalupe.
