President Claudia Sheinbaum said the United States has been secretive regarding any alleged political activity conducted by Mexican consulates in the U.S. [1].
The comments address tensions regarding the role of diplomatic missions and whether they are being used to influence domestic politics. Any confirmation of such activity could strain bilateral relations and lead to diplomatic sanctions, or the expulsion of consular staff.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mexico City on Jan. 29, 2024, Sheinbaum responded to accusations that Mexican consulates were engaging in political activities [2]. She denied these claims, stating that no such activity takes place within the offices. "En los consulados de México en EE. UU. no se hace política," she said [2].
Sheinbaum also noted a lack of transparency from the U.S. government concerning the matter. She said the U.S. has not provided Mexico with any formal communication or evidence to support the allegations. "No tenemos ningún comunicado," she said [1].
The president characterized the U.S. approach to the issue as hermetic, suggesting a lack of open dialogue regarding the concerns [1]. This lack of communication prevents Mexico from addressing specific grievances or correcting potential misconduct within its consular network.
Supporting the president's position, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the controversy. The ministry said that Mexico rejects any interference in the political activities of the U.S. through its consulates [1].
This denial follows a period of increased scrutiny regarding the intersection of consular services and political advocacy. While consulates are tasked with providing services to citizens abroad, the line between citizen support and political mobilization is often a point of contention in international diplomacy.
“"En los consulados de México en EE. UU. no se hace política."”
The friction over consular activities highlights a recurring tension in US-Mexico relations, where the protection of migrant rights often overlaps with political mobilization. By labeling the U.S. response as 'hermetic,' Sheinbaum is shifting the narrative from one of Mexican misconduct to one of American opacity, attempting to maintain diplomatic leverage while denying any breach of international protocol.
