A bipartisan coalition in the U.S. Senate is expressing serious concerns about Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s proposed constitutional reforms, which aim to overhaul Mexico’s judiciary and oversight institutions. These changes, presented by López Obrador as an internal matter, are drawing scrutiny for their potential to impact the crucial U.S.-Mexico trade relationship, the largest bilateral trade partnership globally.
Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), James Risch (R-Idaho), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have jointly urged Mexico to consider the broader implications of these reforms, particularly regarding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).
They worry that the proposed changes could undermine judicial independence and transparency, jeopardizing shared economic and security interests. They also raised alarms that some of these reforms might conflict with USMCA commitments, which are due for review in 2026.
Mexican Reforms Prompt International Concern as U.S. Senators Advocate for Judicial Independence
López Obrador’s reform agenda, his final push before his term concludes on October 1, is presented by his supporters as a measure to combat corruption and inefficiency. However, critics argue it is a move to consolidate power. Key proposals include turning Mexico’s federal judiciary into an elected body, enacting electoral changes, expanding the national police force, eliminating seven independent agencies, and imposing a constitutional ban on vaping.
On Monday, a group of Mexican magistrates, representing over 1,100 federal judges, submitted a complaint to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, seeking international oversight to ensure that Mexico’s reforms comply with its international treaty obligations. Magistrate Rogelio Alanís García highlighted the importance of maintaining legal certainty for investments and regional economic integration.
Despite objections, López Obrador’s Morena party achieved a victory in June, securing a constitutional supermajority in the lower Chamber of Deputies. Although the party is likely to fall short of a Senate supermajority, López Obrador’s successor, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, has aligned herself with López Obrador’s policies and criticized U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar for his warnings.
Senators Cardin, Risch, and Rubio have called on both the López Obrador and Sheinbaum administrations to pursue reforms that enhance professional standards, combat corruption, safeguard judicial independence, and foster investor confidence, which are essential for maintaining democratic values and mutual prosperity.
