Missing Miners / Labor Reform

Missing Miners in Sinaloa. The president spoke about the disappearance of the miners in Sinaloa, stressing that the federal government will carry out a full and rigorous investigation to determine exactly what happened.

Sheinbaum noted that, based on information from the Ministry of Security, the individuals in custody stated they had mistaken the miners for members of a criminal organization. However, she emphasized that authorities will not simply take that account as definitive or unquestioned.

“The investigation will go far beyond simply believing the detainee’s explanation. It must include conversations with the families, other mining workers, and the mining industry itself in order to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic and deeply regrettable event.”

On Jan. 23, 2026, a group of workers connected to a mining project in Concordia, Sinaloa, were kidnapped by armed men while they were at nearby housing. Most of the victims were employed by Vizsla Silver, which operates in Sinaloa. Following the abduction, federal and state authorities launched search operations in the area with military support. Early investigations pointed to the possible involvement of a criminal cell linked to “Los Chapitos.” In the weeks after the incident, authorities located human remains and bodies buried in clandestine graves around Concordia. Forensic work allowed officials to identify five of the missing workers. The discovery confirmed that part of the kidnapped group had been killed. Search efforts remain ongoing to find the rest of the workers.

Film Production Incentives. Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexican actress Salma Hayek will visit the country on Feb. 14 to participate in the presentation of film production incentives. The event will also serve as recognition of Hayek’s career and her contributions to promoting Mexico’s film industry. She added that Hayek had strongly advocated for increased incentives for film production in Mexico and has been a vocal supporter of actors, actresses, and filmmakers.

Proposed Law to Protect Voice Actors from AI. The Ministry of Culture unveiled a legislative proposal designed to safeguard dubbing artists in Mexico against the unauthorized use of their voices, particularly in cases involving AI-based voice cloning.

“For the first time, the initiative would formally recognize the human voice as a distinctive and non-transferable artistic asset, integral to a person’s identity, and therefore subject to explicit and informed consent before any use.”

The proposal includes several key measures.

• Recognition of the voice as a protected right. The reform would amend the Federal Labor Law and the Federal Copyright Law to provide dubbing performers with protections comparable to those granted to other artistic professionals, including singers.

• Mandatory consent and payment. Any use of a performer’s voice would require prior authorization as well as fair financial compensation.

• Stronger authority for the National Copyright Institute. The agency would gain expanded powers to settle disputes through more streamlined procedures, helping avoid lengthy court battles.

• Protection for non-contracted workers. The initiative also aims to extend both labor and copyright safeguards to performers who currently work without formal or stable contracts.Investigation continues regarding the missing miners in Sonora. The Senate approves a 40-hour workweek with full pay and two days off.

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