Mexico celebrates historic Independence Day led by first female president

"President Claudia Sheinbaum has made history as the first woman to lead Mexico's Independence Day celebrations in 215 years, delivering a resolute message against foreign intervention amid ongoing diplomatic pressure from the United States. From the National Palace balcony in Mexico City, Sheinbaum presided over the traditional grito ceremony on Monday night, ringing the bell that symbolises the call to arms during Mexico's 1810-21 independence struggle against Spain."

"During Tuesday's military parade, Sheinbaum firmly declared, No foreign power makes decisions for us. Speaking before her cabinet and thousands of soldiers, she emphasised that no interference is possible in our homeland. Though she named no specific nation, her statement comes as the US government increases pressure on Mexico to combat drug cartels and enhance border security. The Trump administration has offered to deploy US troops against cartels some of which his government has designated as terrorist organisations but Sheinbaum has consistently rejected such proposals."

"The Trump administration has offered to deploy US troops against cartels some of which his government has designated as terrorist organisations but Sheinbaum has consistently rejected such proposals. Her administration has taken stronger action against cartels than her predecessor, extraditing numerous cartel figures to US authorities and highlighting reduced fentanyl seizures at the Mexico-US border. However, Sheinbaum maintains these efforts serve Mexico's interests rather than responding to US pressure."

Claudia Sheinbaum became the first woman to lead Mexico's Independence Day celebrations in 215 years, ringing Hidalgo's bell from the National Palace balcony as tens of thousands gathered. She declared that no foreign power makes decisions for Mexico and stressed that no interference is possible in the homeland. The statement came amid increasing US pressure to combat drug cartels and bolster border security, including an offer from the Trump administration to deploy US troops — a proposal Sheinbaum has rejected. Her administration has pursued stronger action against cartels, extraditing figures to US authorities and reporting reduced fentanyl seizures, while emphasizing actions serve Mexico's interests.

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