Sheinbaum Pushes Water Reform / Backs Migrants

Water Reform Proposal. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that on Monday, Sept. 29, her administration will send to Congress a reform proposal to the National Water Law and a new General Water Law. The initiative seeks to end the view of water as a commodity and strengthen the role of the state in regulating concessions.

Sheinbaum explained that the reform aims to prohibit the transfer of water concessions between private parties, ensuring that only the state regulates them as established in the Constitution. It will also impose stricter sanctions on those who illegally extract water or fail to report changes in concession use.

The General Water Law will define the responsibilities of the federal government, states, municipalities, and concession holders, while the reformed National Water Law will emphasize the prohibition of concession transfers and reinforce state oversight.

Efraín Morales, Director General, CONAGUA, added that these reforms are part of the Water Concessions Management Program, which includes the review of concession titles, a nationwide inspection program, a new National Water Registry for Wellbeing (RENAB), the creation of a one-stop service window, and the publication of a decree to regularize expired titles. It also incorporates the National Agreement on the Human Right to Water and Sustainability, which involves business leaders, scientists, academics, and state governors. Through this program, over 4.475 billion m³ of water has been reclaimed from private control.

Mauricio Rodríguez, Deputy Director, Water Administration, reported that out of 536,000 registered concessions, 482,014 have been reviewed, uncovering 58,938 irregularities. These include 29,539 titles with uncertain expiration dates, 197 concessions meant for public urban use but exploited by private entities, 272 agricultural titles used for other purposes, and 18,753 titles with incorrect location data, suspected forgery, or duplication.

So far, inspections have led to 3,912 visits and 490 closures or suspensions. Morales highlighted that past concession practices created inequality, overexploitation, and infrastructure deterioration. The proposed legal changes, alongside administrative measures, aim to restore order, sustainability, and fairness in water management across Mexico.

Morales also announced the completion of the demolition of an illegal dam located on the “El Saucito” ranch, property of former Governor of Chihuahua César Duarte.

Veracruz Screwworm. Sheinbaum also addressed the recent detection of the screwworm in cattle from Veracruz that arrived in Nuevo Leon, confirming that the infected specimen was immediately identified and emergency protocols were activated. She emphasized that the government is evaluating additional measures to control the pest.

Sheinbaum ruled out the implementation of regionalization measures and clarified that, so far, US authorities have not issued any notifications regarding changes in trade conditions.

The president also announced that a sterile fly production plant will soon begin operations to strengthen efforts against the pest. She dismissed concerns that the outbreak could affect Mexico’s commercial reopening with the United States, stressing that containment actions are already underway.

Budget Allocation of Judicial Branch and Dissolved Autonomous Agencies. Sheinbaum explained that resources obtained from the Judicial Branch and autonomous agencies will be redirected to support the science, agriculture, and culture sectors, as well as the Universidad de Guadalajara. She made the statement in response to concerns over the reduced budget these areas are set to receive in 2026.

Defence of Migrants’ Rights. Sheinbaum reiterated her government’s rejection of immigration raids in the United States, describing them as unjust and discriminatory. She emphasized that Mexican migrants contribute significantly to the US economy and should not be criminalized for seeking a better life for their families.

Sheinbaum confirmed that her administration sent a diplomatic note to US authorities requesting investigations into the case of Silverio Villegas González, a Mexican national whose human rights may have been violated during an ICE operation. She also assured that support is being provided to his family.

The president noted she had personally expressed her disapproval directly to Senator Marco Rubio, and stressed that these types of actions could even affect the US economy. “It is an injustice that of course hurts, and that is why we stand with our compatriots,” she stated, highlighting that Mexican migrants are “heroes and heroines” whose work deserves recognition.

Sheinbaum reaffirmed that migrants have the full support and solidarity of her government. For those wishing to return to Mexico, assistance and access to social programs will be made available