Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has sent a reform initiative to Congress aimed at prohibiting foreign governments from disseminating propaganda through mass media in Mexico.
Recently, during prime-time programs on national television, advertisements featured U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem warning against illegal migration to the United States, stating, “Let me convey a message from President [Donald] Trump to the world: if you are considering coming to the United States illegally, don’t even think about it. Let me be clear: if you come to our country and violate our laws, we will hunt you down.”
Conapred, Mexico’s anti-discrimination agency, condemned the advertisements as conveying a discriminatory message that violates human dignity. Although these ads have been airing in Mexico for weeks, they garnered widespread attention when aired during recent Liga MX soccer matches.
Sheinbaum highlighted that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security exploited a loophole in Mexican law to pay media outlets to air these advertisements. Pending legislative change, radio and television stations have been requested to refrain from broadcasting them.
The prohibition initiative was sent to the Senate last week and swiftly approved before advancing to the lower house (Chamber of Deputies), where it is expected to pass this week. The reform proposes a ban on broadcasting political, ideological, commercial, or any other type of propaganda from foreign governments or entities, with exceptions for tourism or cultural promotion. Additionally, foreign governments will not be allowed to use national media to influence Mexico’s internal affairs.