Sheinbaum unveils river cleanup and dual-citizenship ban

President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke to reporters during her regular morning briefing on September 30, alongside Alicia Bárcena, the environment secretary, and Efraín Morales López, head of Mexico’s National Water Commission. The meeting took place amid ongoing reports connecting her allies to U.S. investigations, including a Treasury Department inquiry into Carlos Torres, the former spouse of Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila. Sheinbaum had previously dismissed allegations against Ávila, insisting in May 2025 that visa-related decisions were private matters unless framed as political interference.

The briefing included an environmental update from Bárcena, who detailed the removal of 14,000 tons of river waste and the planting of 35,000 hectares through the Sembrando Vida program. She emphasized the cleanup of the Sonora River, where 288 kilometers were restored following a spill by Grupo México. The effort involved the removal of 10,000 tons of contaminated soil for safe disposal. These actions align with Sheinbaum’s second-year priorities for environmental protection.

Sheinbaum also addressed a new law aimed at restricting dual citizenship for Mexican officials. The measure, approved by the Senate, was presented as a response to foreign interference, with Sheinbaum stating that presidents “must serve one flag, one nation.” The law’s passage now requires approval from state legislatures, where its success will depend on regional backing. She dismissed claims that the legislation targeted Mexican citizens abroad, insisting the move was meant to prevent external influence.

The discussion on dual citizenship aligns with broader efforts to counter accusations of U.S. involvement in Mexican politics. The timing coincides with reports from the New York Times about investigations into Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, the son of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. While no charges have been filed, the probes add to the legal pressures facing figures connected to the current administration.