Fire at Migrant Center / Mexican Peso

Fire at Migrant Center. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he cannot comment much on the investigation regarding the fire at the National Migration Institute (INM) in Ciudad Juárez. However, he stressed that those accused are being investigated to ensure justice is served. “All information will be discussed at the conference at 3pm. Today, the punishment of those allegedly responsible for these unfortunate events will be reported.”

Of the migrants at the Ciudad Juarez Provisional Migration Station at the time of the fire, 40 died and 28 were injured, according to the Interior Ministry and the INM. IINM personnel were accused of fleeing the site, leaving the migrants locked up. Mexican authorities have opened an investigation for the crime of homicide and property damage, in which two federal agents and five members of a private security company face possible homicide charges for their negligence in not helping the migrants.

Mexican Peso. López Obrador said that the Mexican peso has appreciated at a level not seen in more than 50 years. “GDP has grown a lot. Although inflation is a concern, we remain optimistic.”

Currently, the Mexican peso has continued to appreciate, reaching a level of MX$18 per dollar. Banxico said the new level shows a cumulative improvement of 2.77% in four days. Recently, Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) stated that the Mexican economy is recovering at a significant level and that the Mexican peso is the second-best performing currency in the world. In 2022, the country's economic growth was favorable. The year’s second quarter was the best-performing quarter, with a growth of 1.2% and cumulative GDP growth of 3%. Mexico’s economic activity recovered to significant levels, mainly because tourism increased by 45% compared to 2021. The peso’s appreciation is also due to external factors such as the US Federal Reserve and the strengthening of oil prices, which has allowed several emerging countries to report significant gains. 

Change of Presidency of the Communication Council. President López Obrador informed that the President of the Communication Council, José Carlos Azcárraga, will be replaced by Francisco Casanueva Pérez. He also congratulated the council for carrying out campaigns that have benefited Mexican society, especially during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Casanueva will start his term today, March 30, 2023, and is expected to remain in the council for the next three years. He has emphasized that, over the years, the Council has carried out important campaigns, which will continue during his presidency. New campaigns like “No Esta Chido” (It’s Not Cool), will seek to prevent underage drinking and smoking. Juntos por la Paz (Together for Peace) will foster greater social cohesion to prevent drug use. Finally, Hoy Sí (Today, Yes), aims to grow water use awareness. New campaigns to prevent drug use, especially fentanyl, are also expected to be launched.