USA/MEX

U.S. authorities are sniffing around everything—banks, boxers, and even wedding rings
 Articles, USA/MEX

Think Before You Sign… or Marry, ICE is watching

From money to matrimony, nobody’s flying under the radar anymore.

You may have seen the headlines already. Something about banks being fined. Julio César Chávez Jr. getting detained. A marriage that’s raising more eyebrows than champagne glasses. But you haven’t read it like this—Gringo Gazette North style.

Mexican banks in hot water… and not for overdrafts

The National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) just slapped CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Brokerage House with a total of 185 million pesos in fines. Why? Because their anti-money laundering systems were about as secure as a tequila bar during Spring Break.

Then the United States Department of the Treasury chimed in. Several international banks—including Visa, Citibank, and BNY Mellon—started freezing accounts and cutting off services faster than a bartender cuts you off after your third mezcal.

So if you, your business, or your mother-in-law have accounts or investments with these banks, now’s the time to double-check your paperwork. These days, a little “oops” could cost you millions, get your funds locked up, or have your services revoked altogether.

And to our American readers: okay, you can’t be denied a green card—you’re already rocking the blue passport. But don’t get cocky. The Treasury doesn’t care if you’re from Boise or Brooklyn—if your name shows up in the wrong spreadsheet, you might find yourself in the “extra screening” line next time you try to pay for tacos with your US card.

Julio César Chávez Jr. and the cost of loving dangerously

On July 2, 2025, Chávez Jr. was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Studio City, California, for using false information in his green card application and overstaying his tourist visa.

But that’s just the beginning. Back in Mexico, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has had a warrant out for him since March 2023 for organized crime, weapons trafficking, and alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Why the suspicion? Chávez Jr. married Frida Muñoz, a U.S. citizen and widow of Édgar Guzmán López—yes, that Guzmán, the son of El Chapo.

And here’s the kicker: even though she’s a citizen, and even though he’s a famous athlete, his green card application was denied. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considers him a “public safety risk” because of his wife’s connections.

So… who your spouse used to be married to might just be your problem now

The lesson? It’s not just about who you marry—but who they married first. If your partner’s ex is a cartel prince, a sanctioned banker, or on any government watchlist… let’s just say immigration won’t be sending you a Christmas card.

The GGNorth rundown:

  • CIBanco, Intercam, Vector: hit with 185 million pesos in fines for poor anti-money laundering protocols.
  • U.S. Treasury: stepped in, pressured institutions, froze accounts, and gave Mexico a short window to clean things up.
  • Chávez Jr.: detained by ICE, sought by Mexican prosecutors, green card denied, and stuck in a legal boxing match he’s not winning.

Here at Gringo Gazette North, we keep it real. With facts, a wink, and just enough sarcasm to make the truth easier to swallow.

Because you know our motto: No Bad News—just the news that matters, told like it is.

0 616
 National, USA/MEX

Sheinbaum Steps In to Delay U.S. Sanctions on Mexican Banks

Mexico’s new president scores a diplomatic win—but the accusations are still on the table

In what’s being called a behind-the-scenes lifeline, President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed Thursday morning that Mexico’s Ministry of Finance (SHCP) was directly responsible for securing a 45-day reprieve from U.S. sanctions against three Mexican financial institutions accused of laundering cartel cash.

CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Casa de Bolsa were set to be effectively cut off from the U.S. financial system on July 21 after being labeled as “primary money laundering concerns” by the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The charges? Allegedly helping Mexican cartels move dirty money used in the fentanyl trade.

But thanks to a last-minute intervention from Hacienda, those sanctions won’t take effect until September 4. According to Sheinbaum, the extension was granted “at the request of our Ministry of Finance… we’re working closely with the banks and brokerage firm to resolve this.” One of the banks, she added, is having its trust operations temporarily taken over to prevent further problems.

Hacienda Calls It “Respect for Our Sovereignty”

Mexico’s Finance Ministry didn’t just pull diplomatic strings—they issued a formal thank-you to Washington, calling the delay the product of “dialogue and collaboration… within a framework of respect for our sovereignty.”

The U.S. side confirmed the extension in a July 9 press release, noting that Mexico had taken “further steps” to address concerns, including assuming temporary control of the three institutions. FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki described the move as “necessary to protect the U.S. financial system from abuse by illicit actors.”

So far, the joint efforts appear to be holding. But make no mistake: the accusations haven’t disappeared.

No Proof, Says Sheinbaum

Back in June, President Sheinbaum flatly denied the money laundering claims during a morning press conference, saying: “There’s no proof—only statements. If there is proof, we will act. But without proof, we can’t.”

Despite that, the accusations have already triggered fallout. Several U.S. and Mexican companies have suspended business with CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector while the legal dust settles.

Treasury’s orders were issued under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act—two tools increasingly used by the U.S. government to hit cartels in the pocketbook by choking off their financial lifelines. According to FinCEN, the three firms were instrumental in laundering proceeds that helped manufacture and traffic fentanyl across borders.

Still on the Watchlist

With the clock now ticking toward the new September 4 deadline, both governments are scrambling to show compliance—or at least enough good faith—to avoid a full financial blacklisting.

Mexico’s financial authorities say they’re reinforcing oversight and internal controls at the institutions. Meanwhile, FinCEN is watching closely and has made it clear they’ll “consider all facts and circumstances” before deciding whether to grant any further delays.

As for Sheinbaum, this may be her first big international test as president. And while she’s bought some time, the real challenge lies in what happens next.

Stay tuned. This story’s far from over.

1 205
 Economy, National, USA/MEX

Border Slams Shut Again on Mexican Cattle Over Livestock Pest

If you blinked, you missed it. Just two days after the U.S. began reopening ports to Mexican cattle, the border has slammed shut—again.

On July 9, 2025, Brooke L. Rollins, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ordered the immediate suspension of live animal imports—including cattle, bison, and horses—from Mexico. The reason? A fresh case of the dreaded gusano barrenador, or screwworm, was confirmed in Veracruz.

And that’s all it took.

No Moo-ving Past This

The U.S. had just started easing a nearly two-month-long embargo, beginning July 7 with a partial reopening at the Douglas, Arizona port. But with this new case, USDA hit pause on the entire plan. Upcoming reopenings in Columbus, Santa Teresa, Del Río, and Laredo are now in doubt. The ports were scheduled to resume trade throughout July and into September, depending on sanitary conditions.

According to Rollins, trade won’t restart until Mexico shows real progress in screwworm eradication. That includes strict quarantine measures, traceable cattle movement, and aggressive fly control.

Million-Dollar Maggots

The May 11 shutdown has cost Mexico dearly. The Mexican Meat Council estimates $700 million in losses due to 650,000 cattle being held up. That’s a lot of steaks and burgers stuck in limbo.

To contain the pest, Mexico and the U.S. have been deploying a weird but effective strategy: releasing over 100 million sterile flies per week. It’s pest control by overwhelming romance failure—and it’s been working. At least until now.

A new sterile fly facility is being built in southern Texas with an $8.5 million budget, and another in Metapa, Chiapas is being upgraded with $21 million. It’s a binational battle of bugs.

Mexico Responds

Mexico isn’t taking this lying down. Since July 7, new rules prohibit moving livestock from infected zones without a clean bill of health. SADER, Mexico’s agriculture department, is working closely with USDA and APHIS to stabilize the situation.

Still, President Claudia Sheinbaum isn’t thrilled. She’s expressed her government’s commitment to U.S. cooperation—but also criticized unilateral moves from the north. “Mexico isn’t anyone’s punching bag,” she’s said before. Apparently not even for maggots.

As of now, over 1,400 cases of animal screwworm infections and six human cases have been confirmed in Chiapas and Campeche. With health risks on both sides of the border, both countries know they’ve got more at stake than just lost exports.

So, when will the cattle flow again? Not until those worms stop burrowing and the flies stop flying—or at least, start dying without descendants. Stay tuned.

0 485