{{Firstname|Good morning}}, this week we track Washington’s strike on a suspected drug boat, the Slim family’s vision at México Siglo XXI, and El Grito traditions tested under ICE fears. From workplace raids to cartel expansion abroad and avocados going deforestation-free, the currents of culture, security, and commerce are reshaping North America.

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I had the privilege of leading a delegation of Latino leaders in Mexico City during the 23rd annual México Siglo XXI conference, where over 10,000 scholarship recipients gathered under the vision of the Carlos Slim and TELMEX telcel Foundations. It was also the 10th anniversary of our Latino Leadership cohort, Building Bridges — a program committed to connecting communities across borders.

The Slim family’s commitment to this work is extraordinary. Social programs supported by the Carlos Slim Foundation have benefited more than 57 million people of all ages, improving quality of life, strengthening skills and abilities, and opening doors to better opportunities. Every year, México Siglo XXI brings together world leaders, entrepreneurs, Nobel laureates, athletes, and cultural icons to inspire the next generation of Mexico’s students. And what makes this effort unique is that it is not just institutional — it is personal. The entire Slim family is engaged, ensuring that this vision continues to grow.

This year, inspiration came in many forms. Queen Rania of Jordan spoke of empathy and shared values. Joy Buolamwini reminded us of the importance of ethical, human-centered innovation in artificial intelligence. Marian Rojas Estapé shared powerful reflections on mental health, resilience, and balance. Humorist Franco Escamilla showed how laughter can also teach and unite, while Kevin Costner spoke about storytelling, responsibility, and the environment. And in a moment that electrified the room, Serena Williams joined Arturo Elías on stage for an impromptu tennis rally — in heels.

We also had the privilege of listening to the inspiring words of Dr. Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, whose life’s work is a call to dignity, human rights, and reconciliation. Her message echoed in our own delegation’s working dinner with the U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson: we don’t always have to see eye to eye, but the simple act of sharing a meal can open perspectives, build trust, and plant the seeds of collaboration.

The day closed with symbolic gestures — thousands of students raising their phone flashlights to “illuminate the future,” athletes like diving champion Osmar Olvera and the Mexican Women’s Flag Football Team representing discipline and teamwork, and the voices of Ha*Ash turning the auditorium into a celebration of hope and culture.

This is what Building Bridges looks like. It is education, healthcare, job development, entrepreneurship, culture, and yes, sports — all working together to strengthen North America. Sports in particular remind us that teamwork and perseverance transcend borders, and that’s why I believe expanding initiatives like the North America Business and Sports Forum can help connect even more leaders and communities.

Gatherings like México Siglo XXI remind us that progress is not the responsibility of one government or one institution. It is a shared duty. The Slim family’s leadership shows what’s possible when vision and commitment come together.

If one family’s dedication can transform the lives of 57 million people, what could our nations achieve if we embraced the same spirit of building bridges?

The recent U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the southern Caribbean, which left 11 people dead, is extraordinary in scope. Whether this action proves legally justified or not remains to be seen. Clear evidence has not yet been released that those on board were in fact engaged in smuggling. But one reality cannot be ignored: this is not business as usual.

For years, Latin America has struggled to remain a priority in Washington. Attention has drifted toward the Middle East, China, and global power competition, while criminal organizations have expanded their influence across the Americas. Cartels and gangs have grown into parallel powers, shaping local economies, infiltrating politics, and destabilizing communities. In this context, the strike is less about one boat and more about the signal it sends. The United States is prepared to escalate its role in confronting criminal networks that undermine governance and security in the hemisphere.

This shift matters. Organized crime has eroded trust in institutions for more than a decade. Families live under constant threat, while economies lose billions in productivity and investment due to violence and corruption. A renewed U.S. focus on Latin America, even if controversial in execution, highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges before they spin further out of control.

It also creates new pressure for regional governments, especially Mexico. Half-measures will no longer suffice. Leaders will need to make clearer choices: either strengthen cooperation with the United States in confronting these groups, or risk further deterioration that will be harder to reverse later. The U.S. is reframing cartels not only as a law enforcement challenge but as national security threats. That redefinition will shape cooperation, funding, and expectations across the region.

This is not about supporting a single military action. It is about recognizing a turning point. The strike shows that Washington is shifting its posture toward the Americas. Regional governments now face a test. Will they seize the moment to strengthen governance, protect their citizens, and restore order? Or will they allow criminal groups to deepen their hold until the costs become unbearable?

The United States has made clear it will no longer treat cartels as background noise. The question is whether Latin America is ready to act with the same urgency.

As Mexico’s Independence Day approaches on September 16, celebrations across the U.S. have long served as vibrant expressions of cultural pride—from exploding crowds in Chicago’s Pilsen and Little Village to major concerts and parades in cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

This year, however, the festive rhythm in Chicago was fractured. Organizers postponed El Grito Chicago, citing safety concerns tied to escalating immigration enforcement. Fears of ICE raids and National Guard deployments created an atmosphere of anxiety, prompting wholesalers to distribute whistles and “know your rights” flyers during community parades.

Despite the fear, pockets of resilience emerged. In the Pilsen neighborhood, residents marched undeterred, chanting “We're here and we’re not leaving,” asserting that cultural belonging can withstand even the most intimidating political pressure.

This tension isn’t just about one city or one nation—it speaks to the core of what these traditions represent. For decades, Mexican Independence Day celebrations have anchored immigrant communities in the U.S., reinforcing familial bonds and collective identity through shared songs, food, and ceremonies. Their disruption underscores how political maneuvering can spill into everyday life, turning joyous rituals into instruments of fear.

In a moment when unity feels fragile, these celebrations remind us that heritage isn't ceremonial—it’s essential. And preserving them is more than nostalgia—it’s an act of affirmation.

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