President Claudia Sheinbaum has selected an ambassador with a financial background to represent Mexico in the United States, aiming to navigate the upcoming USMCA review. The appointment is designed to bolster Mexico's position on critical issues such as rules of origin and the protection of supply chains.
According to a report by expansion.mx, the choice comes at a time when bilateral relations are facing tariff pressures in strategic sectors. The nominee's regulatory expertise is seen as vital for negotiating the trade terms of the treaty.
“It coincides with a period where the relationship between the United States and Mexico is shaped, above all, by the USMCA review—specifically regarding rules of origin, the defense of supply chains, and tariff pressure on strategic sectors,” Peña explained in the Expansión report.
Combatting money laundering
Beyond the trade agenda, the proposal to appoint Lazzeri as ambassador also addresses the fight against money laundering linked to drug cartels. This issue gained prominence following warnings from the U.S. Treasury Department regarding links between organized crime and three Mexican financial institutions.
The U.S. Treasury highlighted connections between CIBanco, Vector, and Intercam to illicit activities. In response, Mexican authorities launched a process to separate the fiduciary business of Intercam Banco and CIBanco.
These funds were transferred to Nafin, an institution that Lazzeri has led since August of last year. His previous experience managing this regulatory process serves as a cornerstone of his candidacy.
“That is precisely where his great experience lies, as he was the one who helped negotiate the matter involving the three Mexican banks” accused of money laundering, Schiavón stated, according to the Expansión report.
However, the incoming diplomat also faces the challenge of migration. Although irregular entries into the United States have decreased since the start of Donald Trump's term, the situation for the Mexican community in the country remains critical.
Currently, more than five million Mexicans reside in the United States, many of whom are undocumented. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased detentions, and reports indicate a more aggressive use of force during arrests.
