Soberanía: The Mexican Politics Podcast
Soberanía: The Mexican Politics Podcast offers news and analysis about Mexico from a grassroots and leftist perspective, aimed at English-language audiences. The podcast covers Mexican politics, its key players, and current events, helping listeners better understand the country's political landscape.
Episodios
Mexico Stands Up to the U.S. on its Independence Day
In episode 124 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth celebrate Mexican Independence Day by examining the many fronts on which Mexico must defend its sovereignty today.The episode opens with a reflection on the meaning of independence in 2026 — not as a hollow ritual but as a daily practice. The hosts break down six dimensions of sovereignty: economic (control over resource
Mexico Turns to China as U.S. Threats Mount
In episode 123 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth cover Mexico's foreign minister Roberto Velasco's visit to China, where Beijing reaffirmed its support for Mexico's sovereignty and opposition to foreign interference — a clear signal as Mexico seeks to diversify its relationships amid U.S. pressure. The hosts argue that with the U.S.-Canada trade war escalat
Sheinbaum’s Second State of the Union: Why It Matters
In episode 122 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down Claudia Sheinbaum's second State of the Union address — a sweeping accounting of progress that reveals a government entering a new phase.The episode opens with a detailed look at the informe, from the 51% drop in homicides to the recovery of the minimum wage (up 154% in real terms since 2018), to the expan
Embattled Sinaloa Governor Returns and Leaves Office Again (In One Weekend)
In episode 121 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with the return and swift departure of Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who briefly reclaimed his office after 112 days on leave — only to face blistering criticism from President Sheinbaum and his own party. The hosts unpack the onion-like layers of the Sinaloa case: the bitter university rivalry between Rocha an
Arrest of Trump-linked Operator Reveals Seamy Underworld of Latin American Far Right
In episode 120 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with the arrest of Fernando Cerimedo, a far-right political operative tied to Javier Milei, Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia, and Honduras's Tito Asfura. Cerimedo was detained in Bolivia after his ex-partner — who was pregnant with his child — survived an assassination attempt. The hosts explore how this case exposes the
Ayotzinapa Back in Spotlight: Progress in Case of Missing 43 Students After Major Arrest
In episode 119 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth cover the long-awaited development in the case of the forcibly disappeared 43 Ayotzinapa students with the arrest of former Guerrero Governor Ángel Aguirre Rivero. While the hosts welcome this development, they note that the investigation remains stalled by stonewalling, and that the National Human Rights Commission'
Exposing Mexican Media's Bogus 'Censorship' Claims
In episode 118 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into Mexico's new audience rights legislation — a constitutional reform originally passed in 2013 under Peña Nieto that requires broadcasters to have a code of ethics, an ombudsman, and a mechanism for audience reply. The hosts dismantle the corporate media's "censorship" narrative, noting that the
Live Long and Prosper: Mexico Beats Vulcan Materials at World Bank Court
In episode 117 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth cover a rare legal victory for Mexico, the ongoing occupation of Canal Once, and the latest tariff theatrics from Washington.The episode opens with Mexico's decisive win at the World Bank's ICSID tribunal against Vulcan Materials. The U.S. company had demanded $1.7 billion in compensation after Mexico closed its
Failed Magnate Backs Call for Deportation of Fellow Mexicans: 'ICE Do Your Thing'
In episode 116 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with Claudia Sheinbaum's last-minute trip to New York for the World Cup final — and the overwhelming reception she received from the Mexican migrant community. The hosts contrast this with the reaction of oligarch Ricardo Salinas Pliego, who responded to video of the welcoming crowd by retweeting a tweet with th
Claudia Sheinbaum Takes on the ICE K*lling Machine
In episode 115 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth (broadcasting from Oaxaca) cover Mexico's sharp escalation in the fight against ICE abuses. The government is now filing criminal complaints with U.S. state and federal prosecutors over the deaths of Mexican nationals in detention and during enforcement operations, while also sending cease-and-desist letters to priva
Liar, Liar, Ten-Gallon Hat on Fire: Ex Amb Salazar Caught up in Scandal of His Own Making
In episode 114 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth (broadcasting remotely) cover a week of diplomatic scandals, World Cup drama, and economic news.The episode opens with the explosive revelation that the FBI has donated the plane used to kidnap Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada to a museum — effectively admitting U.S. involvement in the operation after years of denials.
Sports as Diplomacy: Everybody Loves Mexico
In episode 113 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth kick off with a celebration — Mexico has advanced past a knockout stage at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, and the country's hospitality has won hearts worldwide, especially with its embrace of the Iranian team. They argue this moment reveals Mexico's genuine sportsmanship and internationalist spirit
AMLO in the Crosshairs (Again)
In episode 112 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with the fabricated "interview" of Carlos Monsiváis published by El Universal, which smears Andrés Manuel López Obrador with baseless, homophobic innuendo. The hosts demonstrate how the timeline doesn't match, how Monsiváis's family has denied the interview's authenticity, and how the episode r
'La Perra de Trump': Mexican Soccer Fans Give Right-Wing Oligarch a Rude Awakening
In episode 111 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth cover a week of contrast — from a billionaire's public humiliation to a heartwarming display of South-South solidarity.The episode opens with the spectacular failure of Ricardo Salinas Pliego's attempt to use the World Cup as a launchpad for his presidential ambitions. Expecting to be greeted as a popular hero, t
On My Whistle: Mexico Braces for World Cup Conflict
In episode 110 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with an in-depth look at the ongoing teachers' protest in Mexico City. The hosts distinguish between the legitimate demands of the CNTE (including the reversal of a 2007 pension privatization) and the government's claim that violent tactics are being used to project an image of chaos ahead of the World Cup.
Sheinbaum to US Ambassador: Mind Your Own Business
In the first live episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down a week of dramatic escalation in U.S.-Mexico tensions and President Sheinbaum's forceful response.The episode opens with a firsthand report from the massive Morena rally at the Monumento a la Revolución, where Sheinbaum delivered her toughest speech yet on U.S. interference. After listing the go
Narco-Morena... Again!?: Why the Right's 'Narco' Narrative Keeps Failing
In episode 108 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down the latest astroturf campaign targeting Mexico's government and why it's likely to backfire.The episode opens with Sin Embargo's investigation into "Mexicanos al Grito de Paz," a shadowy group backed by billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego that has been organizing flash mobs and banner camp
CIA Out of Chihuahua: 20,000 Protest Secret Incursion into Mexico
In episode 107 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down Morena's massive march in Chihuahua — 20,000 people demanding the impeachment of Governor Maru Campos for allowing CIA operatives to conduct illegal operations on Mexican soil. The hosts discuss how the party's new leadership under Ariadna Montiel has finally taken an aggressive stance against treasono
Trump's Twin Threats: US Goes After Mexican Consulates and Weaponizes Counter-Terrorism Policy
In episode 106 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth examine the latest U.S. pressure tactics against Mexico — and why they're not working.The episode opens with two coordinated threats. First, the State Department has announced a review of all 53 Mexican consulates in the U.S., echoing a conspiracy theory pushed by far-right operatives about Mexican diplomats meddling
The Empire Strikes Back: US Releases Sinaloa Indictment to Distract from Chihuahua CIA Scandal
In episode 105 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dissect the U.S. government's extradition request for Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya — and why the timing looks less like justice and more like retaliation.The episode opens with a breakdown of the indictment, highlighting three red flags: the U.S. made it public within hours of notifying Mexico; they requested pr
Can't Spell Chihuahua Without CIA: Right-Wing Governor Faces Treason Allegations
In episode 104 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into the deepening scandal over CIA operatives operating illegally in Mexico—and the U.S. ambassador's aggressive response.The episode opens with an update on the fallout from the Chihuahua incident, where two CIA agents died in a car crash while on an unauthorized operation alongside state authorities. The host
Cuba Resists! Soberania Reports from the Island on the Patria Colloquium
In episode 103 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth return from Cuba with firsthand observations of life under the intensifying U.S. blockade.The episode opens with their report from the fifth Patria colloquium in Havana, where they witnessed both the resistence of the Cuban people and the daily reality of hours-hour blackouts, fuel shortages, and a growing waitlist for m
UN Meddles in Mexico: Flawed Disappearances Report Highlights Broken System
In episode 102 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth open with an in-depth examination of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances' unprecedented decision to refer Mexico's case to the General Assembly. The hosts break down why the Mexican government has rejected the report, arguing that the committee improperly extrapolated from outdated data (2009-2016) and st
Goodbye Grift: Mexico Neuters US-Funded NGOs
In episode 101 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth return from a brief break to tackle the Mexican tax authority's decision to revoke the tax-deductible status some NGOs operating in the country, including prominent organizations linked to the opposition and US funding. The hosts break down what actually happened—a routine administrative review that these groups fail
'Their Fate Is Ours': López Obrador Breaks Silence to Rally Mexico Behind Cuba
In episode 100 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth mark the milestone by reflecting on two years of covering Mexican politics, and the episode is packed with analysis fitting the occasion.The hosts lead with the renewed solidarity campaign for Cuba, sparked by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador emerging from retirement to launch a fundraising drive for the isla
Trump's Sham Summit: US Gathers Right-Wing Regional Leaders to Push Military Intervention
In episode 99 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth examine the so-called "Shield of the Americas" summit in Miami—a gathering of right-wing leaders representing barely a fifth of the region's population. The hosts break down why Mexico wasn't invited despite high levels of security cooperation, what the exclusion of Brazil and Colombia reveals, and why U
Iran's Existential Fight: Lessons for Latin America
In episode 98 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth analyze the widening global conflict following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and its implications for Mexico and Latin America.The episode leads with the U.S. attack on Iran, examining how the widespread destruction done in Gaza is being applied to Tehran while the international community stands by. The hosts connect th
Mexico Takes Down El Mencho: Fake News War Erupts Online
In episode 97 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dissect the fallout from the Mexican military's operation that killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.The hosts break down what actually happened versus the torrent of disinformation that flooded social media: from AI-generated images of cities in flames to
Mexico Says NO to Trump's 'Board of Peace': Sheinbaum Won't Join Without Palestine at Table
In episode 96 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth examine Mexico's balancing act between defending its principles and navigating relentless pressure from the United States.The episode opens with Mexico's rejection of Trump's "Board of Peace" over the exclusion of Palestine—a principled stand that signals a more independent foreign policy. The hosts
The Mining Minefield: US Sets Sights on Mexico’s Strategic Minerals
In episode 95 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth tackle the controversy surrounding the U.S.-Mexico critical minerals agreement, examining what it actually says, what it doesn’t, and why it has sparked widespread concern over national sovereignty and resource control. They contrast the deal with the government’s parallel effort to revoke inactive mining concessions, a m
The Epstein-Mexico Connection: New Documents Implicate Former US Ambassador
In episode 94 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into the Mexico connections in the Jeffrey Epstein files, focusing on serious allegations against a former U.S. ambassador and the impunity that protects powerful figures. Next, they provide an urgent update on U.S. efforts to strangle Cuba with an oil blockade, examining Mexico's diplomatic response and the loom
Latin America Unites: Inside the 'Nuestra América' Anti-Imperialist Summit in Bogotá
In episode 93 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth return from a major anti-imperialist conference in Colombia to analyze its outcomes and the urgent challenges facing Latin America.They share their impressions from the “Nuestra América” summit in Bogotá, discussing the push for regional unity, the importance of the upcoming Colombian elections, and the need to turn solid
World Cries Out Sovereignty not Subordination: Mexico & Canada Adapt to Shifting World Order
In episode 92 of Soberanía, we begin by looking at how much can change in just two weeks, using Mark Carney’s comments at the World Economic Forum as a starting point to discuss shifting economic and political signals and what they mean for Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum. The conversation then turns to Mexico’s decision to expel criminal figures and what that action reveals about US pressure on Me
Thousands Mobilize in Anti-Imperialist March: Mexico Tells Trump 'Not in our Hemisphere'
In episode 91 of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth unpack the political response in Mexico following the U.S. attack on Venezuela.The show starts with an on-the-ground report from the large anti-imperialist march in Mexico City, analyzing the turnout, the diverse participants, and the powerful message of regional solidarity against U.S. aggression. The conversation then s
US Attacks Venezuela: Is Mexico Next?
In episode 90 of Soberania, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth confront a watershed moment for Latin America: the U.S. military attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro.The hosts dissect the attack as a stark escalation of U.S. intervention, breaking down the dubious legal pretexts used to justify it and the severe breach of international law. They unpack th
Top 5 Stories from Mexico in 2025: Soberanía Presents our Special Year-End Wrap-up
Welcome to Part 2 of our special year-end episode on Soberanía! In this segment, we continue our countdown of the top 10 stories about Mexico from 2025, covering stories 5 through 1. Join us as we discuss U.S. regional threats against Latin America, the groundbreaking judicial election in Mexico, the Gen Z Astro Turf March, significant poverty reduction efforts in Mexico, and how Claudia Sheinbaum
Top 10 Stories from Mexico in 2025: #10-6
Welcome to Part 1 of our special year-end episode on Soberanía! In this segment, we delve into the top 10 stories about Mexico from 2025, covering stories 10 through 6. Join us as we discuss the opposition's missteps, the ambitious Plan Mexico, the influence of US actors in Mexico, mass Morena demonstrations, and Claudia Sheinbaum's impactful first year in office. Don't miss this engag
To Tariff or Not to Tariff? Made-in-Mexico Tariff Plan Seeks to Protect 350,000 Jobs
In this year-end episode of Soberanía: The Mexican Politics Podcast, co-hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth close out the year with an in-depth analysis of Mexico’s newly announced tariff package, examining the policy debate behind it and the pros and cons of this strategy. The conversation then turns to the U.S. move to frame fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction," expl
The Fourth Transformation Punches Back: 600,000 Mexicans Rally in Support of Sheinbaum
This week on Soberanía: we report on the demonstration in Zócalo on the seventh anniversary of the Fourth Transformation, the significance of hundreds of thousands taking to the streets, and Claudia Sheinbaum’s push to expand Mexico’s public health system. We break down the proposed shift to a 40-hour workweek, what it really means for workers, and how minimum-wage gains fit into the bigger pictur
Living Rent Free in the Opposition's Heads: AMLO Returns to the Public Eye
In this episode of the Soberanía Podcast, hosts Jose Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth discuss: the reappearance of AMLO, the resignation of Mexico's Attorney General Gertz Manero, and the recent elections in Honduras. They delve into AMLO's return to public life, his new book, and the political implications of his actions. The resignation of Gertz Manero is analyzed in the context of
Mexican Farmers Strike FIGHTS US Corn Dumping
In this episode, we explore protests by Mexican farmers who are challenging the low prices they receive for corn, highlighting the role of intermediaries in the agricultural supply chain and how corn dumping by the US is putting pressure on campesinos. We then return to Gen Z march in Mexico, focusing on the ties to the opposition and the colossal failure of their second attempt to hold a demonstr
Exposing the Astroturf ‘Gen Z’ Protest in Mexico
How do you do, fellow kids? In this special episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja lay out the truth behind what was billed as a "youth" march and instead was a by-the-book, attempt at astroturfed destablization. This includes blow-by-blow coverage of the march itself, from their search for actual young people among the marchers to the scenes of violence i
The Post-Monroe Moment: Mexico and Europe Rewire their Relationship
This week on Soberanía, Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja bundle up for a freezing Mexico City episode and break down three stories that reveal where Mexico stands in today’s shifting global politics. First, they explore Mexico and the “old world” — new meetings between Mexico, France, Spain, the EU and CELAC, and what these diplomatic moves say about Latin America’s growing independence
The Vulture Doctrine: Assassination of Mexican Mayor Sets Off Destabilization Efforts
In this episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into four key stories shaping Mexico and the region: first, the political vultures circling after the assassination of the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, amongst renewed calls for US intervention and failed “war on cartels” policies. Second, a leaked U.S. memo exposing what Washington is demanding behind the scenes i
Mexico's Sheinbaum Condemns US Bombings
In this week's episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja dive into the Trump administration’s latest round of extrajudicial military assassinations — this time in the Pacific — and Mexico’s response after rescuing a survivor off the Acapulco coast. With no end to the military buildup in sight, and while attempting to make military action against Venezuela look incr
Mexico's Right-Wing Opposition Rebrands: Just a Flash in the "PAN"
In this episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth unpack the supposed relaunch of Mexico's right-wing party, the PAN: can it really reclaim relevance with the same people peddling the same program, simply by means of an updated logo? José Luis and Kurt then shift to the government’s response to recent torrental rains and flooding in five states, assessing preparedn
The Nobel 'Peace' Prize Farce ...And What It Could Mean for Mexico
In this week's episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados react to the farcical irony of far-right Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, unpacking her long record of backing coups, sanctions, and foreign intervention, what this award reveals about Western hypocrisy, and what it all could mean for Mexico. They then turn to Pres
Onshoring Sadism: The US 'War on Terror' Comes to Latin America
This week on Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth break down Washington’s latest escalation as the US declares itself to be in a "non-international armed conflict" with cartels, exploring how it is set to revive post-9/11 war-on-terror tactics in Latin America. They proceed to discuss the case of the kidnapped Mexicans finally freed after the kidnapping of the Glob
Constructing the Second Floor: Claudia Sheinbaum's First Year in Power
Join hosts Jose Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth on Soberania as they explore Claudia Sheinbaum's first year in office, highlighting her impressive 79% approval rating and the challenges she's faced with U.S. tariffs. They also debate Mexico's new tariffs on China and what it means for the country's economic future. In a new segment called "Latin America Roundup," th
Mexico's Sheinbaum: 'Stop the Genocide in Gaza'
In this week’s episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja unpack Claudia Sheinbaum’s decision to call Israel’s assault on Gaza a “genocide” for the first time ahead of the UN General Assembly, exploring what this means for Mexico’s diplomatic stance and the grassroots pressure that has shaped public debate. The conversation then turns to a Washington Post report reveali
¡Viva Mexico! Mexico Commemorates its Independence Against the Backdrop of US Regional Aggression
On this special Independence Day episode of Soberanía, we dive into President Claudia Sheinbaum’s historic first Grito, Mexico’s growing sense of optimism, and the stark contrast with a United States gripped by fear, censorship, and violence. We also unpack reports of CIA activity in Mexico, Trump’s drone strikes near Venezuela, and what Washington’s doctrine of extrajudicial killings could mean f
Show Me the Money: Banks to Pay Up in Sheinbaum's 2026 Budget
Hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth dive into the major stories shaping Mexican politics this week. They begin with Mexico’s 2026 budget proposal, examining what Claudia Sheinbaum’s second budget means for banks, Pemex, and social spending. Next, they break down the Sheinbaum administration's crackdown on "huachicol fiscal", the fuel smuggling and tax evasion scheme, ana
Sheinbaum's First State of the Union, First Elected Supreme Court: Mexico Redefines Power
On this episode of Soberanía: The Mexican Politics Podcast, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth unpack Mexico’s historic September 1st, when the country inaugurated its first Supreme Court chosen by popular vote and President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered her first State of the Union address.They also look at U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s visit to Mexico and Washington’s pressure campaign,
A Traitor In Our Midst: Right-wing Mexican Senator Calls for US Intervention on Fox News
In this episode of Soberanía, hosts Kurt Hackbarth and José Luis Granados Ceja break down Senator Lilly Téllez’s call for U.S. intervention in Mexico during a Fox News appearance - an act which many in Mexico equate with treason. They also fact-check the DEA’s recent false claims (or more bluntly, "pulling it out of their a**) about a supposed joint project with Mexico, exposing how narrative
13.4 Million Leave Poverty: AMLO Succeeds Where Neoliberalism Failed
Poverty is down...and opposition justifications are up. In the latest episode of Soberanía - following the introduction of Jose Luis' new toy - our intrepid hosts discuss the remarkable findings from the INEGI's 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Report: 13.4 million Mexicans exited poverty under AMLO's watch. Even the Guardian was forced to admit it! They further discuss Mexico's expul
Executive Disorder: Amid Turmoil Trump Resorts to Threatening Latin America
In the latest episode of Soberanía, José Luis and Kurt discuss Trump’s latest executive order against the cartels: a serious threat or more antics from a flailing administration looking to throw another helping of red at its base? Also, Canada tries to play nice with Mexico after throwing it under a bus, a notable reduction in violent crime in the first ten months of the Sheinbaum administration a
Bridges, Not Walls: Dispatches from the Panamerican Congress
Bring it! On this episode of Soberanía - with a brand-spanking-new intro and outro - Kurt and José Luis break down their experience at the second Panamerican Congress held in Mexico City. Is there any way for the peoples of the Americas to truly understand each other? Also, good economic news on three fronts: reducing poverty, rescuing PEMEX and holding tariffs at bay. Expanding the definition of
Terror Keynesianism: Militarized Budgets and Manufactured Crises with Mexico
In this crossover episode of Soberanía, hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth are joined by David Griscom of Left Reckoning to unpack how militarized spending and reactionary politics have turned the U.S.-Mexico border into a profitable battleground. From Texas sheriffs chasing cable news fame to ICE's record-breaking budgets, they explore how state power and corruption fuel a bipartisa
Flying the Unfriendly Skies: US Attempts to Bully Mexico Over Airspace
The unfriendly skies, indeed: as part of its ongoing turning-of-screws, the Trump administration is now meddling in Mexico's internal aviation rules, with a series of fresh threats against flights to the US and the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture. Kurt and José Luis have a full breakdown. According to a new study, the biggest beneficiaries of the Mexico-US-Canada free-trade agreements have been
Tariff This! Trump Threatens Tariffs on Mexico for a FOURTH Time
This is getting old. Donald Trump has now threatened Mexico with tariffs for the fourth time since being elected, with an ever-shifting carousel of justifications. In today's episode, José Luis and Kurt have the entire breakdown. New sets of polls on both sides of the border demonstrate that USers are souring on Trump's immigration measures...and that Mexicans are souring on the US. Better
$178 Billion: Trump Budget Declares War on Migrants
"$178 billion: the amount allocated to immigration enforcement in Trump's recently passed budget. In this episode of "Soberanía," Kurt and José Luis analyze the implications of such a colossal figure in the context of a disastrous budget that strips away social protections to shower even more benefits on the wealthy while ratcheting up the punitive state. Also: former Mexican president Enrique Peñ
Patience Running Out: Sheinbaum Bristles at US Sanctions on Mexican Financial Institutions
As Attorney General Pam Bondi calls Mexico a "foreign adversary" and the US Treasury Department sanctions three Mexican financial institutions, President Sheinbaum's patience is clearly running out. In today's episode, José Luis and Kurt discuss Mexico's diplomatic dilemma in the face of the Trump administration's constant turning of the screws. They also discuss the United States' amusing threat
World on the Brink: Can Mexico Find Its Voice in an Int'l Crisis?
In a world in crisis, with the moral vacuity of the global north devastatingly evident with each passing day, a voice like Mexico's is desperately needed on the world stage. In this episode of "Soberanía," Kurt and José Luis consider the ongoing debate in Mexico over how to respond to the genocide in Gaza and the Iran/Iraq war. In the midst of all the tumult, Mexico's economy con
Lowbrow Landau: Deputy Secretary of State's Embarrassing Rage Tweet
Take that man's phone away! In the latest episode of Soberanía, a triggered Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau goes full rage-doxx against a MORENA party official, President Sheinbaum attends the G7 in Calgary, Kurt and José Luis reflect on the Iran-Israel conflict, and an update on opposition to the ICE raids in the context of the "No Kings" protests . The show concludes w
The Border Crossed Us: LA Rises Up Against ICE
As the Tigres del Norte song goes, “I didn’t cross the border; the border crossed me.” In today’s episode, Kurt and José Luis analyze the latest developments in Los Angeles, as Mexican communities resist the abuses and kidnappings of ICE, Mexican flags are waved throughout the conflict area, and Trump seeks to turn the screws ever further. The provocations spill over into the diplomatic front, as
Poetic Justice: Mexico Holds UNPRECEDENTED Judicial Election
¡Tómala! On Sunday, June 1st, Mexico went to the polls to elect the entire Supreme Court and half of the federal judiciary (the other half will be elected in 2027). Kurt and José Luis will have the full rundown of this historic step forward in bringing democracy to a branch riddled with corruption, nepotism, obscene privileges, and collusion with oligarchies domestic and international. Sunday also
Calderón's Former ‘Top Cop’ on the Hook for Billions
Brother, can you spare $2.4 billion? In a coup for Mexico's Financial Investigation's Unit, a Florida court has found Felipe Calderon's former Security Minister and his wife guilty of embezzling funds from the state. Kurt and José Luis have the full rundown of what it means and the precedent it sets. Also, the dissident sections of the federal teachers' union, known as the CNTE, ar
The CIA’s Man in Mexico: Ron Johnson Arrives as Ambassador
Sounds like a Graham Greene novel, but it’s real: Trump’s Green Beret/CIA ambassador has arrived to take up his post as US ambassador to Mexico. And his first day in the country was…interesting. Kurt and José Luis analyze the implications of such a dark figure pulling the levers in the new embassy building. And on the very day the ambassador arrived, Propublica reporter (and DEA frontman) Tim Gold
A Whole New World: China-CELAC Summit Builds New Bridges with Latin America and the Caribbean
It’s bizarro world! In today’s episode, we kick off by discussing the recent summit between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), attended by President Xi Jinping and several Latin American heads of state of varying degrees of progressivism. With the threat of Trumpism and tariffs hanging in the air, the summit acquired both greater impetus and urgency. In section
Working Nine To Five: Mexico will Deliver 40-hour work week by 2030
The 40-hour workweek will be a reality in Mexico...eventually. In this episode, Kurt and José Luis discuss the May Day announcement, weighing the pros-and-cons of MORENA's attempts to pass labor reforms with corporate buy-in. They also discuss the recent Sheinbaum-Trump calls regarding tariffs and her refusal of the US "offer" to send troops, the presidenta's recent shape-up lett
Manufacturing Consent: Corporate Media Oppose Mexico's New Telecoms Law
President Claudia Sheinbaum wants to stop foreign governments from being able to run offensive ads and seeks to revamp Mexico's outdated telecom laws, including making broadband internet more accessible and increasing community access to airwaves, but corporate media, the Mexican opposition and some critics are accusing her government of censorship. Co-hosts José Luis and Kurt discuss the new
BORDER BLITZKRIEG: Trump Militarizes Border Zone
Eager to pursue his campaign goal of the largest deportation operation in US history, Donald Trump has militarized the border, turning over the early-twentieth-century Roosevelt Reservation to the Department of Defense in order to circumvent Posse Comitatus Act and get US troops to take part in the deportation of migrants. Plus, co-hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth follow up on the
Come Together, Right Now: Can Latin America Unite Against Trump Threats?
These dangerous times call for regional unity, but can Latin America unite against Trump threats? Co-hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth answer this question as they look at the events of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit last week and the threat posed by Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa following the questionable results announced Sunday night declaring him th
We Didn’t Start the Fire: Trump Tariffs, Mexico Unscathed
Trump’s tariff plan turned out worse than everyone expected but somehow Mexico has come out unscathed. While close friends and allies of Trump were hit with devastating tariffs, Mexico was spared thanks to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s negotiating and now the country is poised to take advantage of its comparative advantage in the refashioned world of global commerce. However that’s not her whole p
With Friends Like These: Mexico Reckons with Trump Admin Officials
…Who needs enemies? In this second episode from their brand spanking-new studio space, Kurt and José Luis discuss Claudia Sheinbaum’s taking one for the team by meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the final stop of Noem’s “cringe tour” through Latin America. They also discuss the media attempt to play up China’s supposed pivot away from Mexico and the extent to which any of the
The Water Wars: Trump Threatens To Renege On Water Treaty With Mexico
Live from the new studio! From their new digs, Kurt and José Luis discuss the Trump administration's denial of Mexico's special request for water for Tijuana and what that bodes for the 1944 treaty governing water sharing along the border. They also discuss migrant mistreatment at the Krome Detention Center in Miami, Florida, including the harrowing viral video in which a Mexican detainee
The International Far Right Finds Allies in Mexico
Right-wing politicians in Mexico are working with Mexican oligarch Ricardo Salinas Pliego to build links with the far right, hosting meetings with representatives from Vox, the Atlas Network, and the Fundación Internacional para la Libertad. Is there cause for concern? Co-hosts José Luis Granados Ceja and Kurt Hackbarth also discuss the recent grim findings in Teuchitlán, Jalisco and break down th
People Power Against Trump: 300,000 Attend Unity Rally in Mexico City
On Sunday, March 9, 350,000 people filled Mexico City's Zocalo to overflowing in a national unity rally to protest Trump's tariff threats. In this episode, Kurt and José Luis analyze the effects of this display of people power together with President Sheinbaum's negotiating skills. They also discuss recent consitutional reforms, including anti-nepotism and anti-reelection measures toge
Up Your Aranceles: Sheinbaum Calls for Mass Demonstration to Oppose Tariffs
US President Donald Trump has decided to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on Mexican goods imported into the United States, upending the North American economic partnership. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded swiftly, labelling his decision as “offensive” and calling for supporters to demonstrate this Sunday in the name of national unity in the face of this attack. In the latest episode
Back Off Musk! Mexico Toughens Constitutional Measures in Defense of Sovereignty
Elon Musk wants drone strikes in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded by proposing two reforms aimed at toughening the defense of sovereignty in the constitution and imposing the harshest penalties on foreigners involved in activities that infringe on Mexican sovereignty. Yet at the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is softening his rhetoric, proposing cooperation i
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