The Personal is Political
FEMINIST STRUGGLES AROUND THE WORLD SHARE A COMMON GOAL: TO ERADICATE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, ADOLESCENTS, AND GIRLS.
HERALDO USA patriciatepozteco @elheraldodemexico.com ALFREDO
Periódico El Heraldo de México. Editor Responsable: Alfredo González Castro, Número de Certificado de Reserva otorgado por el Instituto Nacional del Derecho de Autor: 04-2009-060419022100-101.
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Olimpia characterizes digital violence as: “Violence that is exacerbated and sustained through technology and digital media, whether familiar or unfamiliar, which threatens intimacy, privacy, security, and human rights via digital platforms.” She distinctly separates digital violence from cyber violence, emphasizing that the former encompasses a broader range of factors influencing its occurrence.
In Mexico, there has been a long-standing struggle to recognize this type of violence. Various groups, led by this activist, have advocated for the Olimpia Law, resulting in legislative changes. This law defines digital violence as a distinct form of violence, providing a legal framework for its eradication, prevention, and ensuring access to justice. It is incorporated in Article 10 of the General Law on Women’s Access to a Life Free of Violence and in state penal codes. Furthermore, it introduces legislative measures addressing crimes like violations of sexual intimacy and harassment. As a result of these initiatives, Mexico is now a leader in this battle. The Olimpia Law has also evolved into a political movement that has spread to the United States.
Olimpia and her collectives have successfully motivated countless individuals globally to support this cause and firmly acknowledge that such violence damages both physical and moral integrity, as well as the human rights of individuals. Their efforts focus on the victims’ perspectives, preventing re-victimization and recognizing the validity of pursuing justice.
This type of violence profoundly impacts individuals, as it serves as “an extension of systemic violence encountered in shared physical spaces and offline environments.” Trends evident in non-digital settings—such as streets, schools, and universities—adapt and translate into new mediums for aggression. This issue has emerged as one of the latest feminist struggles, stemming from legal and normative gaps that have long prevented victims from obtaining justice.
Olimpia personally endured this violence. When she sought to present her case
Olimpia Coral Melo Cruz discusses her journey from revealing the complexities of romantic love to supporting women who have endured violence and emerged as survivors. In an exclusive interview with Heraldo USA, she explains how this battle has extended to the United States. The results of this effort are the legal structures currently in place in Mexico, Argentina, and Panama, which are soon to be implemented in Colombia.
For the complete interview, check out the Heraldo USA YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/xbHqwWhe6sc?si=FgUUAsLJCc6qVZ5Y
to the public prosecutor’s office, she was not met with the support she deserved as a victim by local officials in her hometown of Huauchinango, Puebla. Instead, she faced re-victimization. This occurred due to legal gaps and patriarchal biases that judge women for freely expressing their sexuality and subject them to moralistic scrutiny. This scrutiny punishes and blames women rather than questioning or penalizing men for their violent behavior, such as distributing or producing unauthorized sexual content— whether genuine or manipulated—on digital platforms without consent, intending to undermine the woman’s integrity through manipulation and cruelty.
Olimpia came to the United States a few years back after being recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2021. Taking advantage of this recognition, she wrote to all senators to request meetings, and six responded positively. Her ongoing mission is to ensure that digital violence is acknowledged for what it truly is: violence, rather than being dismissed as “revenge porn.”
To grasp the magnitude of this problem, it is essential to understand that there are currently 2 million markets for digital sexual exploitation in Latin America and the United States. These “public or closed spaces” are where photos, videos, and audio—primarily of women and children—are exchanged, distributed, and sold without their consent. These spaces are dangerous and difficult to penetrate, making it challenging to hold perpetrators accountable.
Olimpia emphasizes that justice does not adequately address these spaces “from the victims’ perspective or through an investigative approach centered on the victims’ voices.”
A troubling example features a website where users can order sexualized robots that resemble actual individuals without their consent. This scenario puts people at risk and defenseless, with accountability and prosecution frequently inadequate. Although some platforms attempt to address these problems and apprehend offenders, Olimpia points out that legal loopholes obstruct justice. “Investigations usually face difficulties when servers are located in the United States; without complete legal harmonization, effective cross-border justice mechanisms are lacking.”
/ 12 / 02 / 2024
The Olimpia Law represents the voices, challenges, and commitments of women who have evolved from victims into strong survivors. They play an essential, yet often uneasy role in a grassroots movement— politically engaged not in a partisan way but by advocating for women’s rights.” 02-03
Digital Rights
Olimpia Coral Melo’s journey is widely recognized. Her feminist activism, along with that of her group, increasingly shapes societal change. It is vital to comprehend why these issues deserve our attention to create safer communities for everyone. The 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, Girls, and Adolescents—starting on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concluding on December 10, International Human Rights Day—serves as a critical period to prioritize this cause. This time allows us to examine the various forms of violence, particularly digital violence and digital sexual violence. While it might appear we’re entering a science fiction realm reminiscent of Black Mirror, these situations are happening now. This is why we need to scrutinize the algorithms and their programming. As Olimpia frequently reminds us, the virtual world is indeed real.
Ingrid Urgelles Latorre
South Korea’s 4B Movement: An American Response to a Trumpist Future
“NEVER FORGET THAT ALL IT TAKES IS A POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, OR RELIGIOUS CRISIS FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS TO BE CALLED INTO QUESTION,” SAID SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR, A PROMINENT PHILOSOPHER OF EUROPEAN FEMINISM IN THE 20TH CENTURY. THIS QUOTE, SO PERTINENT TO OUR CURRENT REALITY, HELPS US UNDERSTAND THE CRISIS FACED BY AMERICAN FEMINISTS IN THE WAKE OF THE RECENT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
Donald Trump’s election signifies a regression and a worrying development for women who fear that the hard-won rights achieved over many years are now endangered under a dominant ultra-right ideology. This situation is not solely about Trump becoming president; it reflects the strength of his position: he has a majority in both chambers of Congress and a Supreme Court that is strongly supportive of the ultra-conservative Trumpist philosophy, particularly concerning women and family issues. This issue extends beyond simple sexist and misogynistic language. During his previous term, Trump undermined women’s rights related to sexual and reproductive health, workplace discrimination, the gender pay gap, and protections against sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
In her piece “Gender Equality in Trump’s America,” María Solanas highlights Trump’s anti-feminist policies, pointing out that, in 2017, his cabinet consisted of only three women leading the Departments of Education, Interior, and Transportation, while thirteen men were appointed to other roles. Additionally, Trump rescinded workplace birth control coverage, eliminated Obama’s 2016 initiative against gender discrimination, and repealed the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Act of 2014, which prohibited the concealment of sexual harassment and discrimination cases in companies holding federal contracts.
rejection.
The movement arose from the difficult living conditions faced by young women in South Korea. These were exacerbated by the neoliberal restructuring implemented by the International Monetary Fund, a pro-natalist shift by the Korean government, and a prevailing crisis of masculinity among men. Such circumstances led to the rise of militant online feminism, manifesting in various initiatives: the “Gender Wars” (2015), the “Escape the Corset” movement (2016), the Korean #MeToo movement (2017), and the 4B Movement (2018).
Despite facing criticism and being labeled a “local variant of neoliberal feminism” due to its economic, pragmatic, self-help, and individualistic messaging—elements that can be seen as depoliticizing—the 4B movement serves as a vital response to the precarious experiences of gender. In their work, “The 4B Movement: Envisioning a Feminist Future With/ In a Non-Reproductive Future in Korea,” Jieun Lee and Euisol Jeong contend that eschewing heterosexual relationships does not inherently align with the individualistic notion of “self-management” typically associated with neoliberalism; rather, it offers women a realistic and viable way to envision a future that has been previously denied to them.
The letter "B," which signifies "no” in Korean, is crucial to understanding this resistance: it embodies disobedience and rejection.
Given this background, coupled with various allegations against Trump and some of his cabinet nominees—including Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Linda McMahon, Elon Musk, and Matt Gaetz—it’s not surprising that many U.S. feminist groups and women feel threatened by Trump’s potential return to the presidency. On the very day the election results were announced, numerous women voiced their concerns on the social media platform X, looking to South Korea’s 4B movement as a strategy to navigate the difficult years ahead.
The 4B movement emerged from challenging circumstances faced by women in South Korea and advocates for avoiding all patriarchal relationships, including marriage, motherhood, and romantic or sexual involvement. This stance is encapsulated in four principles: the refusal of heterosexual marriage (bichon), motherhood (bichulsan), romance (biyeonae), and sexual relationships (disease). The letter “B,” which signifies “no” in Korean, is crucial to understanding this resistance: it embodies disobedience and
This resistance encompasses both distancing from relationships with men and rejecting gendered beauty ideals, as well as the traditional family structure linked to them, alongside the consumer habits that arise from such norms. Instead of being a local variant of neoliberal feminism, 4B epitomizes “a distinct reaction to a specific setup of patriarchy and neoliberalism” (Lee and Jeong). ++
The 4B movement has made South Korea the country with the second-lowest fertility rate globally. This demographic issue is significantly impacting the economy as the population ages rapidly, leading the Korean government to establish a Ministry for Fertility and introduce various economic and tax incentives. However, the government’s main obstacle has been its inability to tackle the crisis from a gender perspective, largely due to the prevailing patriarchal system in Korean society.
Confronted with a bleak and almost restricted outlook on their rights and freedoms, American women are embracing the political strategy of the 4B movement. While it might appear radical and extreme— which it partially is—this practical approach with tangible results remains effective when acquired rights are at risk. The remarkable strength lies in a simple word like “no.”
Donald Trump has tapped for members of his cabinet people who will, first of all, be loyal to him. It is key to consider the presidentelect has had fallouts with members of his first cabinet as 45th president of the United States.
FOR: DANIEL E. BENET
ILUSTRATION: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Among those with the highest profiles with whom relations soured are his former Vice President Mike Pence, who did not back Trump’s claims of fraud and did not support the president’s call to overturn the elections during the Capitol crisis of January 6, 2021. There is also Rex Tillerson, then-Secretary of State, who got dismissed after his relation to President Donald Trump deteriorated, including controversy on whether he had called Trump a “moron” and unfit for office; and Mark Esper, former Secretary of Defense during Trump’s first stint at the White House, who earlier this year labeled Trump “a threat to democracy”.
On January 20, 2025, all these people will stand with Donald Trump during his oath of office as 47th president of the United Sates at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. They will assume their roles as leaders of the federal departments and agencies that will try to move the bureaucratic apparatus needed to make the changes in domestic and foreign policy that Trump promised during his campaign.
RUMP IS CHOOSING LOYALTY FIRST
HOUSE
This appointment is not legally required by the titution and does not need confirmation by nate. Still, it is one of the most politically powerful positions in government, with influence on areas of government and the agenda due to the of Staff’s constant consultation with the president. Susie Wiles was Trump’s campaign director electoral process. Nicknamed the “ice lady” by her future chief, Wiles, now 67, will be female chief of staff in the White House. Her experience includes campaigns for: Ronald Raegan 1980; Rick Scott in 2010, who many said she from a virtually unknown businessman to two Governor of Florida, currently senator for that and Ron de Santis’ campaign in 2018, a relationship many say did not end well. 06/07
WHITE
CHIEF OF STAFF: SUSAN WILES
CHOOSING LOYALTY FIRST
SECRETARY OF STATE: MARCO RUBIO.
In charge of overseeing U.S. foreign policy during a tense international scenario. The war in Ukraine and Russia, Isarel and Palestine, and tensions in the South China Sea, will be on Rubio’s desk as hot potatoes as soon as he sits down in office for the very first time. Rubio is currently senator for the state of Florida; he was, in 2016, candidate for presidency during the Republican Party primaries. Son to Cuban immigrants, when he takes office, he will be the Hispanic who has attained highest office in the U.S. government. He has a hard stance on Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, and China, as well as one of absolute support for Israel. He currently serves as vice chair of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. Secretaries of State need confirmation by the senate, and oversee the State Department, Foreign and Civil Service and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
HHS SECRETARY:
ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: PAM BONDI.
The Attorney General leads the Department of Justice (DOJ) and will be the chief law enforcement officer in the country for the following four years. Bondi served as Florida’s 37th and first female Attorney General, and later, on the President’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission under Donald Trump.
This position has gathered media attention recently on the brink of Trump’s second term, since it was the DOJ which opened the investigation into then-President Donald Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election (including the January 6 Capitol attack) and the hoarding of classified government documents at Mar-a-Lago. Trump has been convicted, but not sentenced (to date) of these charges and others, including hush money payments to adult-film star Stormy Daniels. Many of these charges will probably be dropped before he starts his second term Matt Gaetz was Trump’s first pick, but he had to decline after criticism by Republican senate members made it clear he would have a difficult time securing the 50 votes needed for confirmation of the appointment. Gaetz has faced allegations of having sex with a minor, drug use, and paying women for sex.
“BORDER CZAR”: TOM HOMAN.
Former New York police officer and Border Patrol agent, Homan was head of then-President Obama ICE’s (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deportation branch in 2013. During this period the United States carried out record numbers of formal deportations. Homan received from Obama the Presidential Rank Award, the highest civil service award in the country. He was also acting director of ICE and nominated to direct it during Trump’s first presidential period. Tom Homan is considered one of the architects of the -separating children from their families- immigration policy, claim he has disputed, approved by then-Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. This “zero tolerance” policy had parents prosecuted for illegal entry, while the children were sent to shelters for unaccompanied minors. Immigration has been one of Trump’s main campaign and administration items for harnessing support. His pick will be expected to carry out Trump’s 2024 campaign promise of mass deportations, an issue raising alarms in human rights organizations, economic analysts (due to the cost of the operation and the loss of revenue via federal and local taxes, as well as the billions of dollars which migrants, including undocumented ones pour into the U.S. economy), and the southern neighbor.
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Initially an independent candidate for the presidency, he later bowed out and announced his support for Donald Trump. Until quite recently a Democrat, as a member of the Kennedy family his name carries political weight and attention. He has dedicated most of his life to environmental and other forms of activism. His nomination has been decried by health specialists because of his long record of misleading statements with disinformation about vaccines. During these last presidential campaigns, Kennedy made headlines when recounting a parasitic worm infection that “got into [his] brain and ate a portion of it and then died” as he put it, and again when stories resurfaced about him decapitating a dead whale and transporting its skull across state lines and dumping the body of a dead bear in New York City’s Central Park.
As head of the Department of Health and Human Services, Kennedy will have an impact in the department’s agencies, like the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) which oversees many of the countries vaccination policies.
Trump has already tapped Dave Weldon as director for the agency. Weldon, who served as congressman of the 15th District of Florida for 14 years, has been an outspoken critic of the CDC and its vaccination program, and has made past claims linking vaccines with autism.
Another agency of the HHS is the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), for which Trump has selected Marty Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins, as commissioner. The FDA is also involved in approving vaccines and regulating them, as well as regulating food, cosmetics, tobacco and other products.
UN AMBASSADOR: ELISE STEFANIK.
Is sitting Republican representative for New York’s 21st congressional district.
The congresswoman has previously been critical of the international organization to which she has now been appointed ambassador, specifically on matters related to criticism of Israel, condemning resolutions which she considers antisemitic. This could lead to frictions in multilateral negotiations, as the U.S. could be willing to put on the table reductions in the current amount of funding for the UN. With the country as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Stefanik will have to face constant opposition to relevant issues by Russia and China, who are also on said council. Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina served as ambassador to the UN during Trump’s first administration. She has not been invited back due to running a very critical campaign against Trump throughout the Republican Party’s primaries.
Stefanik used to be critic of Trump during his 2016 campaign and first years in office, later transitioning to enthusiast, winning Trump’s favor when she became one of his most outspoken supporters during the 2019 impeachment hearing, and again after she echoed the former president’s allegations of election fraud and objected to certifying President Biden’s 2020 win.
DEFENSE SECRETARY: PETE HEGSETH.
In a country constantly involved in armed conflicts worldwide, and often determinant of the outcomes, the position of Defense Secretary will have major impacts on U.S. foreign policy. The wars in Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine will be among the most relevant issues at the beginning of his tenure. Trump promised to end the war between Ukraine and Russia as soon as taking office, which many have interpreted to implying pressuring Kiev to accept terms of a cease-fire that might prove beneficial to Putin. The war veteran and Fox’s News host, Hegseth, 44, has been questioned on the significance of tattoos he bears, as some have been labeled supremacist symbols, which he has denied. There are also allegations by the press of sexual assault in 2017 and a police report on the matter has been recently made public. Still, he has support from GOP senate members who claim he has not been charged with a crime.
It is worth mentioning that, were these appointments confirmed, Trump would have to deal with pulling out some Republicans from Congress, thus having to face new elections to fill the empty seats in the House, risking some ground on a secure House, and having governors appoint replacements to the Senate.
BY MELISSA CORRAL AND MICHAEL KAGAN PHOTOART: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Mass deportations focus on removing undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. in large numbers. The U.S. regularly expels large numbers of would-be new arrivals at the border – 1.2 million in 2023 to be exact. But there are typically fewer deportations from inside the country.
During his candidacy, Trump promised to deport 11-15 million undocumented immigrants. This number of deportations is certainly unprecedented and unrealistic. Yet it is instilling fear in the millions of immigrants who live in the shadows of the U.S. By contrast, in 2008 and 2009, the U.S. removed just under 250,000 per year. More recently, the figure dipped below 50,000.
Less than a week after the election was called, Trump announced he would make Thomas Homan his “Border Czar.” Homan is a former ICE Director, and will be in control of the U.S. borders and deportations, even though he was one of the men responsible for authorizing the separation of children from their parents during Trump’s first presidency. In a recent 60 Minutes interview, he explained mass deportations will begin as targeted arrests focusing on work-site enforcement operations (“raids”) but not “mass sweeps of neighborhoods or building concentration camps.” But, in that same interview when asked if there was a way to carry out mass deportations without separating families, he answered: “Of course there is, families can be deported together.”
Trump also announced that Stephen Miller will be his deputy chief of staff. Miller was widely seen as the architect of harsh measures against immigrants in Trump’s first term. He has talked openly about involving the National Guard troops in a ramped-up deportation campaign. While Trump and his key aides have not been entirely consistent nor specific about how these mass deportations could occur, this article aims to answer key questions and outline the implications for those individuals affected.
INCREASE IN EXPEDITED REMOVALS
The U.S. federal government has broad authority over the admission of people seeking to enter the country. As such, non-citizens seeking to enter the U.S. are entitled to only procedural protections Congress has expressly authorized. Therefore, based on this authority, in 1996 Congress established the expedited removal process under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act and codified it under regulation 235(b)(1).
Expedited removal is a -streamlined process where an immigration officer determines that a non-citizen is inadmissible to the U.S. and can be deported without any review or possibility to see a judge. Currently, the expedited removal process is generally used at the borders. This process currently allows immigration authorities to deport those 1) detained at U.S. borders, 2) who arrived in the U.S. by sea without being admitted or parole and have been present in the U.S. for less than two years, or 3) who were found in the U.S. within 100 miles of the border within fourteen days of entering the U.S. without admission or parole.
However, in July 2019, the Trump administration attempted to expand this regulation. The expansion would allow ICE officers to utilize the expedited removal process to deport any non-citizen who was not admitted or paroled into the U.S. and is located in any part of the country (not just close to the borders) and who cannot prove to the officer’s satisfaction that he or she has been here for at least two years. While the Biden Administration reverse the first Trump attempt to expand expedited removal in this way, this is one of the most realistic ways Trump’s administration could effectuate speedy deportations in large numbers. Moreover, because expedited removal skips review in court, it increases the risk of racial profiling and errant deportations of people who are legally present.
Mass deportation would hurt several key U.S. industries that rely on undocumented workers. Construction and agriculture industries would lose at least 1 in 8 workers, while hospitality, about 1 in 14 workers.
DURING PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP’S DEPORTATIONS ALMOST AT EVERY DEPORTATIONS BARELY GOT ANY COVERAGE BOTH THE POPULAR VOTE AND THE ELECTORAL PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT EXACTLY
Trump Won!
we talk about mass
The negative impact of mass deportations would be the most significant in California, Texas, and Florida, the 3 states that were home to 47.2% of the country's undocumented immigrants in 2022.
Deporting undocumented immigrants would separate four million mixed-status families, affecting 8.5 million U.S. citizens with undocumented family members (5.1 million of whom are U.S. citizen children). 03 04
OPERATION WETBACK
During the campaign, Trump often said he wanted to break the “record” held by President Eisenhower during a mass deportation known as Operation Wetback. Operation Wetback’s roots are traced to the Bracero Program from the 1940s, where Mexican farmworkers were brought into the U.S. legally to help fill labor shortages brought on during WWII. An estimated 300,000 migrants entered each year, and while many complied with the temporary status offered, many others did not and remained in the U.S. without status.
This spurred President Eisenhower to authorize Operation Wetback. The operation allowed INS officers in 1954 to find unauthorized migrants and deport them. On the first day alone, over 4,800 people were apprehended. Those arrested by Border Patrol were sent back, often deep into Mexico, to discourage reentry. During Operation Wetback, “human rights were violated. People were removed to distant locations without food and water. There were many deaths and even U.S. citizens of Mexican origin were removed.
While many might not believe mass deportations will occur, the fact they have happened in the past is evidence it can happen again. Moreover, Operation Wetback was actually the second mass deportation of Mexicans in the 20th Century. Another was carried out in the early 1930s, and also deported citizens as well as people in the country without authorization.
COSTS FOR DEPORTATIONS AND LOSS OF REVENUE TO U.S. ECONOMY
The American Immigration Council (AIC) reports that a one-time mass deportation of an estimated 13.3 million undocumented immigrants could cost the U.S. $315 billion dollars. These costs are those associated with arrests, detention, legal processing, and actual removal. In order to continue deporting a million people a year, something Vice President-elect Vance promised the new administration could do, could would cost about $88 billion dollars. This is nearly four times the budget of NASA, and three times as much as the federal government spends on child nutrition.
CANDIDACY, HE SPOKE ABOUT MASS RALLY. BUT THE TOPIC OF MASS OF COVERAGE IN THE U.S. MEDIA. AFTER HE WON ELECTORAL COLLEGE, PEOPLE ARE NOW EXACTLY MASS DEPORTATION MIGHT MEAN.
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mass deportations
Not only would mass deportation cost the U.S. government billions of dollars to carry out, it would also lead to the loss of the revenue undocumented immigrants generate for the country. In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid $46.8 billion in federal taxes and $29.3 billion in state and local taxes. These immigrants also contributed $22.6 billion to social security and $5.7 billion to Medicare, benefits they might never be able to take advantage of. AIC also reports that the loss of workers across U.S. industry would reduce the U.S. gross domestic product by up to 6.8 percent. Removing this number of undocumented immigrants would cause significant labor shocks throughout multiple key industries and would likely contribute to inflation. That is in addition to ripping apart families that have lived in the country for decades.
While Trump’s supporters might yearn for mass deportations, the costs associated with those deportations and the billions in revenue loss from taxes paid by undocumented immigrants might be the only things that could convince the new administration to slow the plans for mass deportations.
QUOTE FROM NEVADA UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENT
Mass deportations symbolize fear, uncertainty, and loss for millions of people, not just those who are undocumented. Hearing the words “mass deportations” casually thrown around by affluent politicians and an out-of-touch billionaire fills me with frustration. To them, it’s just politics, but to me, it represents a system driven by numbers and racism rather than humanity. A system that facilitates the large-scale removal of people from their lifelong communities, tearing families apart and leaving lives in turmoil in the name of national security, as if people like me were the worst thing to happen to this country, when in fact, we keep it afloat.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE USMCA
After Donald Trump’s Victory and the 31st Anniversary of NAFTA
On January 1, 2025, the world will mark 31 years since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect, a deal that revolutionized trade between Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
BY: CLAUDIA LOZANO
ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
NAFTA established one of the largest free trade areas in the world, driving the growth of key industries, especially in Mexico, such as manufacturing and agriculture. In 2020, this agreement was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), introducing new provisions on labor, environmental, and technological matters to adapt to global changes. However, with Donald Trump’s recent re-election, the course of the USMCA could be affected by a shift toward more protectionist policies.
PHOTOART:
Over 25 years, NAFTA has boosted trade among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with Mexican exports growing sevenfold and imports fivefold. This has promoted supply chains and created millions of jobs in the region.
The USMCA modernized NAFTA with better and stricter labor, environmental, and intellectual property rules and includes a chapter on digital trade, adapting the agreement to 21st-century challenges.
Trump´s re-election signals potential renegotiations of the USMCA, focusing on protectionist policies such as increasing tariffs that would limit market access in the region. Disruptions in integrated supply chains could affect electronics, auto parts, and machinery, forcing companies to rethink production strategies and creating uncertainty in trade flows.
Mexico and Canada must protect their trade
THE LEGACY OF NAFTA AND THE EVOLUTION INTO THE USMCA
Since its establishment, NAFTA has encouraged the development of supply chains among the three nations, reinforcing North America as a connected region. Over more than 25 years, it has facilitated a substantial increase in trade: Mexican exports to the United States and Canada surged sevenfold, while imports grew fivefold. This growth positioned the United States as Mexico’s primary trade partner, creating millions of jobs in the region and transforming the export sector into a vital driver of the Mexican economy.
The transition to the USMCA in 2020 sought to update the foundations of NAFTA to address new challenges. The agreement includes provisions that promote better labor conditions, protect the environment, strengthen intellectual property, and establish rules for digital trade. It also maintains dispute-resolution mechanisms to ensure stability and trilateral cooperation.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF TRUMP’S REELECTION FOR THE USMCA
In his initial term, Donald Trump took on multilateral trade agreements, asserting that they were detrimental to U.S. industries. This led to the renegotiation of NAFTA, which culminated in the USMCA and included stricter conditions, particularly in crucial sectors such as automotive, where regulations on origin were more stringent. With his return to power, Trump is likely to advocate for further reforms to the USMCA, promoting a more protectionist stance.
In this context, Mexico and Canada may face pressure to accept changes on issues such as tariffs, market access, and regulations for high-value products like agricultural and manufactured goods. For Mexico, any adjustments to the trade conditions or tariffs could affect its competitiveness in the U.S. market, particularly in industries such as automotive, which rely heavily on unrestricted access to the United States.
Moreover, Trump’s protectionism could disrupt integrated supply chains, creating uncertainty in sectors dependent on trilateral cooperation. For instance, trade barriers on electronics, auto parts, or machinery could force companies to reconsider their production and sourcing processes.
MEXICO AND CANADA FACING ADJUSTMENT SCENARIOS
As USMCA conditions may tighten, Mexico and Canada must reassess their strategies to safeguard commercial interests. Both nations have made significant progress in upholding labor rights and environmental protections, meeting the agreement’s requirements. Yet, they will encounter difficulties in negotiations, as the U.S. may favor policies that enhance domestic production, which could restrict market access.
For Mexico, stricter conditions in the USMCA would mean increased compliance costs and higher requirements for the export sector, which would affect its competitiveness. Additionally, protectionism in industries like agriculture could impact trade in primary products, raising costs and reducing access to priority consumer goods in the three countries.
PROSPECTS FOR THE USMCA IN THE NEW CONTEXT
Trump’s re-election raises doubts about the future of the USMCA. Any alterations will necessitate thoroughly examining the trilateral agreements to prevent disruptions in North America’s trade dynamics. The transition from NAFTA to the USMCA has shown that the three nations can come together to adapt to evolving circumstances. Yet, the current challenge lies in maintaining a spirit of collaboration and interconnected value chains in the region, particularly under pressure from an administration that may favor nationalist economic strategies.
In summary, Trump’s re-election presents significant challenges for the USMCA. Although this agreement has updated NAFTA to enhance competitiveness and collaboration in North America, changing circumstances might initiate another round of renegotiations. Considering these potential changes, Mexico and Canada must vigorously protect their trade interests to sustain the stability of a region that has emerged as a crucial driver in the global economy.
He can claim his third Super Bowl victory, something only four previous quarterbacks have accomplished.
He is the fastest quarterback to reach 15,000 and 20,000 passing yards in NFL history.
Mahomes is 14-3 in 17 playoff starts and can become just the third quarterback of all time with 15-plus playoff wins.
PATRICKMAHOMES STCAFMAET
In the history of the NFL, few as “dynasty.” For many, this label have dominated for years and Brady and Bill Belichick’s Patriots, the ‘70s Steelers. Patrick Mahomes City Chiefs have entered
Are the Kansas
BY: ANTONIO DE VALDÉS ILUSTRATION: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
BBut do they already deserve that place in history?
Undoubtedly, the Chiefs have been the most dominant team in recent years. Since Mahomes took the reins in 2018, Kansas City has been in every AFC Championship Game, reached four Super Bowls, and won three, including last February’s against the 49ers. Maintaining this level of success in a league designed for parity is impressive. Mahomes, with his prodigious arm and ability to improvise, is the franchise player par excellence, and Reid, with his offensive mind, has brought out
the team was created under the name Dallas Texans. most successful team.
the best in him. However, for some critics, ing. They point out that other more titles in a similar span. Super Bowls in four years ‘70s Steelers won four in six plenty of time to match or but they haven’t reached Additionally, there’s surrounding Mahomes. The pieces like Tyreek Hill, but Travis Kelce remains the This year, the defense has if Mahomes stays healthy, be a contender. But the question this level of success for another
Best quarterback of the moment.
A team can earn the “Dynasty” label on the gridiron if it wins three titles in less than 10 years. “The Chiefs” have achieved this in just five.
In 2014, Kansas City Chiefs fans set the world record for loudest crowd noise in a sports stadium.
Between Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, they have the best record in NFL history, with 16 touchdowns together in the postseason.
words spark as much debate label is reserved for teams that and defined an era, like Tom Patriots, the ’90s Cowboys, or Mahomes and Andy Reid’s Kansas entered that conversation.
Kansas City Chiefs a
critics, something is still missother dynasties achieved span. The Patriots won three years in the early 2000s; the six years. The Chiefs have or surpass those numbers, reached that point yet. the matter of the talent The Chiefs have lost critical but the duo of Mahomes and most lethal in the league. taken a step forward, and healthy, Kansas City will always question is: can they sustain another five to ten years?
Time will be the ultimate judge. Undeniably, the Chiefs have already left their mark on the modern era of the NFL. The doubts will disappear if they win another Super Bowl in the coming seasons. But even if they don’t, their impact is already enormous. For me, the Chiefs are on the brink of a dynasty, and Mahomes has the potential to be the player who defines this era, just as Brady, Montana, and other greats did before him.
The Kansas City dynasty may be under construction, but what they’ve done so far is already worthy of admiration. Time will tell if they are remembered as one of the greatest teams in history. What do you think? Are the Chiefs already a dynasty, or do they need one more title to solidify it? The debate is open!
Super Bowl Titles. seasons without losing. seasons played.
Considered one of the most brilliant offensive gurus in NFL history.
In 1972, the team moved to its current home, Arrowhead Stadium, one of the best stadiums in the world.
In 1963, Lamar Hunt relocated the team to Kansas City, rebranding it as the Chiefs. In 1970,
clinched their first Super Bowl title by overcoming the Minnesota Vikings 23-7.
FROM SUPPLY CHAINS TO COP30:
MEXICO AT THE CENTER OF THE CLIMATE AND BIODIVERSITY DEBATE.
COP29 in Baku highlighted both progress and persistent divisions in global climate negotiations. The summit focused heavily on the transition to renewable energy, with countries committing to phase out coal at varying speeds
We cannot save a burning planet with a fire hose of fossil fuels’
ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UN
BY RAUL BENET
HHowever, disagreements over fossil fuel subsidies and inadequate climate financing remained significant roadblocks. Oil-producing nations, represented by the host country, a fossil fuel nation, defended their reliance on fossil fuels, while developing countries emphasized the unmet promises of financial support from the Global North. The role of biodiversity in climate solutions was acknowledged but took a pale backseat to energy debates, underscoring the need for more integrated approaches at future conferences. In this context, Latin America emerged as a key player, bridging biodiversity conservation and climate action.
COP29 revealed progress and divisions, with disputes over fossil fuel subsidies and unmet climate financing promises stalling agreements. The summit prioritized renewable energy transitions, but biodiversity’s role in climate solutions was largely overshadowed by energy debates.
PHOTOART: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
The recent wave of international summits— ranging from the G20 in Brazil to COP29 in Baku, COP16 on Biodiversity in Cali, and APEC in Peru— has underscored the inherent tensions between global economic dynamics and environmental sustainability demands. Latin America, endowed with vast natural resources and biodiversity, has emerged as a critical region where global supply chains and climate action intersect. In this complex scenario, Mexico has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader for the Global South, a role that feels especially urgent following Donald Trump’s recent election to the U.S. presidency.
Latin America has long been a strategic region for global trade. Countries like Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia are essential suppliers of critical raw materials such as copper, lithium, soybeans, and meat. However, this extractive dependency not only sustains local economies but also fuels en-
vironmental crises that resonate far beyond their borders. The deforestation of the Amazon, driven by agricultural expansion and mining, is not just a local problem—it disrupts global carbon cycles and threatens the world’s biodiversity. At the G20, Brazil sought to balance its role as a defender of the Amazon with the need to maintain resource flows to international markets. This dilemma, shared by other Amazonian countries like Colombia and Peru, reflects the broader tensions between economic development and environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, COP29 in Baku highlighted another facet of this issue. Oil-producing countries, including Venezuela and several Gulf nations, faced growing criticism for their dependence on fossil fuels while attempting to defend their economies against international pressure. The Baku summit also underscored that while energy tran-
Mexico emerged as a potential key player, emphasizing the integration of biodiversity conservation and climate action.
Mexico's leadership is crucial as it bridges regional priorities and global climate negotiations ahead of COP30.
sition dominates the global narrative, biodiversity remains secondary in climate discussions. This contrasts with COP16 in Cali, where biodiversity was recognized not just as an environmental issue but as a fundamental pillar for global economic and food security.
Mexico, with its vast biodiversity and experience in initiatives like Sembrando Vida, has much to contribute at the intersection of climate and biodiversity. This program, which combines environmental restoration with community development, has not only regenerated degraded lands but also empowered rural communities by integrating agroforestry and agroecological practices that benefit both nature and people. In a world increasingly acknowledging the value of nature-based solutions, Mexico could present this model as a replicable initiative for other tropical regions.
Furthermore, Mexico’s recent reforms recognizing indigenous rights are a key component in integrating social justice into climate action. Indigenous peoples have proven to be the best stewards of critical ecosystems, and acknowledging their rights and knowledge could become a turning point in global conservation policies. During COP16, this narrative was highlighted by several Amazonian countries but still lacks coherent articulation within the framework of energy transition.
Mexico’s proposals go beyond environmental restoration. The idea of redirecting military resources toward peace initiatives—channeling them into projects for sustainable farming and reforestation—resonates in a world weary of conflicts and hungry for transformative solutions. Instead of investing in weapons, Mexico proposes that nations allocate those funds to regenerate ecosystems and stabilize rural communities. This ambitious approach aligns with the growing demand for climate justice and adequate financing from the Global South.
However, Trump’s return to power adds a layer of complexity. During his previous term, the former U.S. president displayed a clear disdain for global climate initiatives, withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement and minimizing international cooperation on environmental issues. Now, with his re-election, Mexico faces the challenge of balancing its integration into the USMCA with its aspirations to lead on the climate and biodiversity agenda. Mexico’s economic dependence on the United States could limit its capacity to take bolder stances, especially if they conflict with the commercial interests of its main trading partner.
Despite these obstacles, COP30 in Belém presents a platform where Mexico can consolidate its leadership. This summit, deeply focused on the Amazon, offers a unique opportunity for Mexico to articulate its vision of how biodiversity, climate justice, and economic development can converge into global solutions. By presenting programs like Sembrando Vida, with the restauration of 2.5 million hectares of agricultural land, and its renewable energy goals—aiming for 45% of electricity to come from clean sources by 2030—Mexico could position itself as an example for other Global South countries. The road will not be easy. To succeed, Mexico must build strategic alliances with Amazonian countries like Brazil and Colombia, demonstrating solidarity with their struggles while articulating how its initiatives can integrate into a regional effort. Diversifying its trade relations will also be crucial, forging closer ties with Europe and Asia, where sustainable supply chains and climate action are increasingly valued.
COP30 will be a decisive test for Mexico. If it can craft a compelling narrative that connects its proposals to global demands, it could not only overcome the challenges posed by Trumpism but also emerge as an indispensable leader in climate and biodiversity negotiations. In Belém, the spotlight will be on the Amazon, but Mexico has a story the world needs to hear—a story of peace, justice, and regeneration that could transform not just the Global South but the planet’s future.
https://www.youtube.com/@el_heraldousa
https://www.youtube.com/@el_heraldousa
LAS VEGAS, A CITY THAT SHINES
Las Vegas, Nevada, known for its casinos, luxurious hotels, vibrant atmosphere, and high influx of tourists, serves as a magnet for migrant communities. The city is home to millions of Latinos, particularly those of Mexican descent, who live and work there.
BY: ANGÉLICA SIMÓN UGALDE / DESIGN: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
THE MEXICAN COMMUNITY IN LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas, Nevada, is home to nearly 1 million people of Mexican origin, 200,000 of whom were born in Mexico. This “bold and generous” community seeks to feel secure and supported, and Mexico’s consulate office, led by Patricia Cortés, works tirelessly to make that happen.
LOWRIDERS AND THE CHICANO COMMUNITY: UNMATCHED COLOR AND STYLE
Lights, vibrant colors, stunning murals, and dynamic suspensions that create movement are all part of the modified cars known as lowriders—a passion for many members of the MexicanAmerican community. Heraldo USA attended their national convention.
OLIVIA, THE FIRST LATINA CITY COUNCIL MEMBER IN LAS VEGAS
The daughter of Mexican parents, Olivia Díaz, born in Las Vegas, is the first Latina on the City Council. She has seen her family’s hard work and encourages Hispanics to empower themselves.
FROM CAR WASHER TO RESTAURANT OWNER
41 years ago, Javier Barajas came to Las Vegas and started working at a car wash. There, he connected with a restaurant owner and inquired about job opportunities. After juggling two jobs for 13 years, he established his first restaurant, Il Toro E La Capra. He owns this restaurant, which features a fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisine.
WOMEN’S BOXING: A FIGHT WON OUTSIDE THE RING
Women’s boxing was once prohibited in Mexico. Laura Serrano battled both in the ring and politically, confronting key figures to lift the ban and enable her and other women to compete honorably in the sport", she affirms.
IDENTITY AND RESISTANCE: THE ESSENCE OF LOWRIDERS (II)
Lowriders, who share a love for modifying classic cars into rolling works of art, have made this practice a cultural expression that stands against discrimination and stereotypes.
THE RESULT OF LIVING BETWEEN TWO CULTURES
“Very unique,” hardworking, committed, supportive, and embodying the best of Mexican and American cultures are some qualities that the Mexican-American community shares. Ellsie Lucero speaks of her commitment to the community.
PACHUCOS
Beyond just a fashion, the Pachuco movement embodies a lifestyle, serves as a representation, and acts as a form of resistance.
It represents one of the earliest cultural expressions of Mexicans in the United States, offering a means to stand out and overcome marginalization.
BORN IN THE U.S., RAISED IN DURANGO, RETURNED TO THE U.S. TO “DO MORE”
Melissa Corral, an attorney who doesn’t charge for helping others, was inspired by the discrimination she and her mother faced. Her mother encouraged her to “do more.” Now, through the Nevada Bar Association, she supports other law students.
JESSIE VARGAS: THE BOXER WHO “CHOSE” MEXICO
Jessie Vargas, a two-time world boxing champion born in Los Angeles, California, shares his decision to compete for Mexico instead of the U.S., illustrating a tale of solidarity meant to inspire young people in their battles in life.
