Heraldo USA Lunes 6 de octubre de 2025

The recent events in the United States, including the murder of Charles Kirk, an activist in the MAGA movement, matter just as much as those who voice their opinions, but it is even more significant when it happens on a college campus.

Universities are meant to be places where ideas compete, not people. However, a disturbing trend has recently emerged: words are being weaponized. Verbal violence—such as insults, slurs, and hostile speech—has become a common part of daily life on campuses.

In the United States, this shift is particularly noticeable. Reports of racist slurs, xenophobic taunts, and harassment are increasing. According to the U.S. Department of Education (2021), hate-related verbal incidents on campuses rose by 13% between 2016 and 2020.

Disagreement is natural in higher education. However, verbal violence extends beyond that. It isn’t just about exchanging ideas; it’s about attacking dignity. Research shows that verbal attacks can cause harm like physical violence. Psychologist Derald Sue (2010) has demonstrated that repeated verbal microaggressions lead to stress, depression, and feelings of exclusion.

In the words of philosopher Judith Butler, “Words have the power to injure, to perform acts of violence” (1997). This is not metaphorical—language shapes reality, legitimizes hostility, and lays the foundation for more dangerous forms of political violence.

Why are universities at the heart of this issue? The answer lies in their paradox: they are protectors of free speech but also overseers of community safety.

Why we should care extends beyond the content of their messages; it matters to us because the world is experiencing polarization that is exacerbated by social networks during this perilous era of disinformation. The motives behind the recent murder, recorded live by hundreds of young people in such a brutal scene, should alarm all societies.

Immigrant students are often the primary victims. They bear the burden of xenophobic rhetoric not only from classmates but also from wider political debates.

During COVID-19, for example, Asian and Asian American students experienced sharp increases in harassment, unfairly linking them to the virus (Cheah et al., 2020). Latino students often report being stereotyped as “illegals,” reflecting political slogans (Chavez, 2013).

Even more concerning is the increasing intimidation of migrant groups worldwide. We see the current U.S. policy, with its intense campaign against Latino migrants—most of whom are of Mexican origin—as one of the most critical moments in the relationship between Mexico and the United States.

Calling immigrant students ‘illegals,’ mocking accents, or telling someone to ‘go back to your country’ is not debate—it’s intimidation, and furthermore, it is violence in all its forms. It is what lies at the core of these intense university debates promoted by activists, including the one murdered on campus, showing us that these spaces are no longer safe for freedom of expression or for fostering dialogue and understanding with a humanist and universal perspective.

The propagandists have taken it upon themselves to turn these spaces into battlegrounds rather than forums for dialogue. Using words as weapons, verbal violence undermines the university visa and threatens healthy coexistence.

Because U.S. universities serve as global models, what happens there influences practices worldwide. If Harvard tolerates hostility, smaller universities elsewhere might feel justified in doing the same.

This goes beyond campus life. Universities are supposed to be testing grounds for democracy, where young people learn to communicate respectfully despite differences. If verbal violence becomes normal, democracy itself suffers. If universities can’t restore respectful dialogue, they risk losing their moral authority as centers of knowledge and inclusion.

The U.S. experience serves as both a warning and an opportunity. Universities across the country must act now to protect dialogue from being overshadowed by verbal violence. Immigrant students, on the front lines of this hostility, remind us that words are never “just words.”

President Trump’s increasing verbal hostility toward migrants permits those who oppose diversity to shed their masks of civility, dialogue, and respect for basic human rights. These hate-filled speeches and polarization benefit politicians and radicals on both sides, but we remain uncertain of how this cycle will end. We are witnessing the emergence of verbal and political violence as a distortion of democratic life and freedom of expression.

For some, these will be isolated events, but for others, they will be opportunities to violate the rule of law and freedom of expression, where the “end justifies the means.”

President Donald Trump’s administration’s use of verbal violence toward migrants has had significant effects across multiple levels in the United States. Here are some of the key impacts:

Stigmatization of migrants as threats to security and the economy; rise in xenophobia and racism. Trump’s rhetoric has fueled xenophobic and racist sentiments among certain parts of the population. This has led to more incidents of discrimination and violence against migrants and people of Latino descent, creating a climate of fear in these communities. Regarding the impact on migration policy, verbal violence influences political discourse and migration laws. Concerning social cohesion and mobilization, the current rhetoric has also galvanized numerous pro-migrant groups and human rights defenders. This has increased efforts to organize and defend migrants’ rights, raising greater social awareness of their conditions and needs. The emotional impact on migrants has been profound, affecting their communities deeply, and it has contributed to social polarization, dividing people over the issue of immigration.

Some analysts see this moment as a potential for a civil war where conservative and exclusionary ideas favoring whites dominate, like “the nativism or exacerbated nationalism,” of what history has already shown us it can become. Mexico and its politicians have a tremendous opportunity to create scenarios of dialogue and respect, not only in the public sphere but also in universities and colleges where ideas need to be shared. We must learn to debate and disagree on topics or public policies, but with shared goals of solutions and the respect that characterizes a democratic society; in this effort, the media have a significant responsibility, especially the creators of content on networks and social media. The post-truth era not only threatens evidence but also human reason and understanding.

Analyst specializing in global issues. Professor at Universidad La Salle, Mexico City. Butler, J. (1997). Excitable speech: A politics of the performative. Routledge. Chavez, L. R. (2013). The Latino threat: Constructing immigrants, citizens, and the nation (2nd ed.). Stanford University Press. Hopkins, P. (2019). Social geography II: Immigration, boundaries, and difference. Progress in Human

Giovanni Peri

The Summer School on the Economics of International Migration: Advancing Research and Creating Future Leaders

GLOBAL MIGRATIONS ARE A PHENOMENON THAT HAS DEFINED THE RECENT DECADES. AS OF 2024, MORE THAN 12% OF THE POPULATION AND LABOR FORCE OF RICH COUNTRIES WAS MADE OF IMMIGRANTS FROM POORER COUNTRIES.

The economic and social implications of these flows are pervasive and consequential for sending and receiving countries as well as for the migrants themselves. But these implications can be fully understood only by studying data and using economic analysis to estimate impacts, evaluate policy effectiveness, and forecast future trends.

In July 2025, a group of doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and professors converged on La Casa de la Universidad de California in Mexico City for the fourth edition of the Summer School on the Economics of International Migration, a research and teaching program organized by the UC Davis Global Migration Center and supported by UC Alianza MX. Over the past three years, the Summer School has recruited prestigious economists doing cutting-edge research in the UC system to teach around two dozen Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers from across the Americas, generating a network of scholars

cooperating on research from multiple perspectives. By connecting young researchers with established scholars, we encourage mentoring and promote policy-relevant research that can inform policy decisions by governments and non-governmental organizations.

Meeting in Mexico City provides a great backdrop to studying migration, given its relevance to US-Mexico relations. The flows of migrants from Mexico to the US has represented one of the most significant movements of people in the world over the past three decades. Mexican immigrants to the US have been crucial to the growth of the US economy in sectors as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and health care. But many of migration’s economic impacts remain under-studied in academia and poorly understood among the public. Including students from multiple countries also sharpens the Summer School’s focus on the growth of international migration flows around the world, including a growing number of refugees from crisis-torn countries. Accommodating these migrants can potentially improve the

demographic future of rich countries as they age, but also requires innovative approaches to bridge cultural gaps and to manage the potential political and social backlash. In the United States, these trends provoked the recent change towards more restrictive immigration policies despite strong growth built over decades of highly successful integration, representing a change in direction that must be studied further. In this year’s edition of the Summer School, students presented several projects that have the potential to improve this understanding. Yulia Valdivia (University of Chicago) is evaluating how “Temporary Protected Status” given to some immigrants in the US improved their labor market outcomes during the last two decades. Alessandro Caiumi (UC Davis) is evaluating the importance of the quality of the first employer on the labor market integration of refugees. Robert Remuszka (University of Wisconsin) is estimating the productivity effect of immigrants in different US states. And Angie Mondragon-Mayo (Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá) considers how Venezuelan refugees are integrated into formal jobs in Colombia. While these are just a small number of promising research projects, each of them will help us better understand the economic implications of migration flows. In addition to preparing young researchers, the Summer School also includes panel discussions with policy makers and professors, increasing students’ engagement with contemporary policies and their economic consequences. Following the ramp-up of deportation efforts by the US government, Daniel Osuna from Banco de Mexico, Catalina Amuedo Dorantes from UC Merced, and I discussed the socio-economic effects of deportation on local US economies, on the deportees themselves, and on Mexican firms that may hire returnees. Our analysis concurred that deportations have a disruptive economic effect on US local economies since employers tend to leave locations where they cannot find workers, eliminating jobs in that area. They are also costly for families of deportees, who become more likely to enter poverty, while deported workers have a hard time re-integrating themselves in Mexico and often receive lower wages than established local workers.

Following the Summer School, the UC Davis Global Migration Center continues to invite young scholars to present their research via online seminars and to maintain mentoring relationships with senior scholars. Meanwhile, many graduating students have already been hired by prestigious academic institutions (including Vanderbilt University, Louisiana State University, University of Nottingham, and University College Dublin) bringing to fruition the vision of educating the next generation of researchers/policy advisors who will help improve understanding of international migrations and manage them more effectively.

In the current environment of global migrations, it is particularly important to take a scientific approach to understanding reality and to channel our efforts toward creating reasonable and beneficial policies. The research shared at the Summer School shows the positive contribution of immigrants to economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and science, but also acknowledges the short-term costs required to achieve these results. And as our students take on new roles in academia and policy, their leadership and vision will be crucial to improving the outlook for the economics of global migration in years to come.

In her first year in office, President Claudia Sheinbaum set the tone for a renewed trilateral agenda with the U.S. and Canada. From major security breakthroughs and record drug seizures to historic trade surpluses and new migration agreements, Mexico has solidified its role as a key player in North America.

BY: JUAN PABLO TAJONAR

Achievements in the trilateral relationship among Mexico, the U.S., and Canada during the first year of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.

During President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first year in office, the trilateral relationship among Mexico, the United States, and Canada was strengthened across important strategic areas, including security, trade, politics, and migration. Notably, the current administration has made tangible progress in the fight against drug trafficking, seizing more than 240 tons of drugs, dismantling roughly 1,400 clandestine labs, and extraditing 55 traffickers to face justice through cooperation with Washington. These achievements were made possible by innovative programs such as Mission “Firewall” and the Mexico–U.S. High-Level Group.

Simultaneously, trade relations with both partners reached historic levels: in 2025, 83.3% of Mexico’s exports went to the U.S., while 3.18% went directly to Canada. This resulted in a favorable surplus of over $115 million for Mexico. Additionally, bilateral meetings between Mexico and Canada highlighted the need to pursue shared prosperity in trilateral trade, reaffirming the importance of USMCA. These outcomes together confirm that in the first year of the new Mexican administration, groundwork has been laid for a more balanced and prosperous trilateral relationship.

Seizure of 3,680,585 fentanyl pills to date under this administration.

Dismantling about 1,408 meth lab operations.

Seizure of 16,048 firearms involved in serious crimes.

Seizure of more than 245.3 tons of drugs in Sheinbaum’s first year.

Navy seizes 47 tons of cocaine during maritime operations.

Arrest of 32,424 individuals connected to various crimes.

Seizure of more than two million liters and 447,103 kg of chemical substances.

Seized over 798 organic synthesis reactors, 550 condensers, and 138 distillers used in narcotics production.

Extradition of 55 drug traffickers from Mexico to the U.S. Launch of Mission “Firewall” to stop illegal arms trafficking at the border.

Formation of a high-level task force to counter cartels, enhance border security, interrupt illicit financial flows, and reduce crossborder drug and arms trafficking.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Mexico in September 2025 to talk about security, drugs, and migration.

During Rubio’s visit, both governments agreed to form a high-level group to oversee the new Border Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation Program.

In 2025, the U.S. made up 83.3% of Mexico’s exports ($215.6 billion).

In 2025, the U.S. made up 39.9% of Mexico’s imports ($102.9 billion).

In 2025, the net trade balance between the two countries was $112.7 billion in Mexico’s favor.

Mexico is the country with the lowest average tariff rates in the world.’

During the G20 summit (November 18–19, 2024), President Sheinbaum held a private meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where both leaders praised the USMCA and highlighted the strong ties between their countries.

On September 18, 2025, Sheinbaum and Trudeau met at Mexico’s National Palace, recognizing a unique opportunity for Mexico and Canada to strengthen their partnership and promote shared prosperity.

In 2024, 21,025 Mexicans entered Canada through the PTAT program, which has since become a model for labor mobility between the two countries. Currently, 90,585 people born in Mexico and 155,380 people of Mexican descent (full or partial) live in Canada, representing 0.42% of the Canadian population. In 2025, the net trade balance between the two countries was $3.1 billion in Mexico’s favor. Juan Pablo Tajonar studies International Relations and Law at Universidad de las Américas Puebla. He is part of the university’s Honors Program, where he researches foreign policy, international security, and multilateral cooperation.

MEXICO,THEU.S.,&CANADA

Millions of Mexicans over 15 face illiteracy or educational delays, despite nearly universal mobile phone use. Incorporating artificial intelligence into flexible literacy programs could turn technology into an equalizing tool for education, rather than a privilege.

Several months ago, I started some painting work at home. To make communication easier, we only talked with the worker by phone, using voice calls. Whenever I sent him written messages, he never responded. Our communication was either face-toface or by voice, or it simply didn’t happen. One day, after my repeated questions, the worker admitted that he didn’t know how to write—he could sign his name and do math very well, but he struggled with writing.

This case of functional illiteracy highlights the reality for thousands of adults and young people over 15 in Mexico who can read and/or write simple sentences but struggle with basic math. An even larger group suffers from outright illiteracy. The paradox is that many of these individuals can use a mobile device without any difficulty. According to INEGI, 81.7% of Mexico’s population uses a cell phone, heavily relying on messaging apps on smartphones, with WhatsApp being the dominant platform among people aged 16 to 64.

According to the 2020 Population and Housing Census, over 5 million Mexicans are illiterate, with four out of every 100 men over 15 and five out of every 100 women unable to read or write. Additionally, nearly 32 million people experience educational lag, including 10 million who never finished primary school and 16 million who never completed middle school (covering children ages 8 to 14).

The National Institute for Adult Education has noted that individuals over 15 who completed fewer than three years of primary school “have a high probability of falling back into illiteracy,” compared to those who completed at least three grades and can maintain literacy skills in their daily lives.

This sector accounts for 11.6% of Mexico’s total population, in addition to an estimated 5.9 million Mexicans who have never learned to read or write. In this context, let us recall that UNESCO designated September 8 as International Literacy Day to raise awareness among nations and emphasize the importance of education as a fundamental right and a catalyst for social and economic development.

EDUCATION AND AI

This year’s celebration focused on literacy in the digital age, like artificial intelligence (AI), aligning with the theme chosen by the UN for the International Day of Education: AI and Education: Safeguarding Autonomy in an Automated World.For UNESCO, artificial intelligence in education presents both a historic opportunity and a pedagogical, moral, and social challenge. AI can improve education, promote inclusion, personalize learning, and boost the efficiency and effectiveness of teachers, allowing more focus on human development. The organization has created competency frameworks for students and teachers as tools to shape new ways of learning and teaching—frameworks that incorporate generative AI, along with its promises and risks. This calls for national regulatory frameworks to ensure its use aligns with each country’s priorities, development plans, and education programs at all levels.

Incorporating AI into education programs must never lose sight of what makes education human. The challenge for national systems is to find a balance: using technology to help teachers and students better understand the world and gain new skills, while ensuring public policies protect respect, inclusion, and data privacy—especially when addressing the needs of people over 15 who are illiterate or functionally illiterate. Mexico already has initiatives in progress, such as mobile apps with content designed to help adults earn certifications, where integrating AI would be a natural step. Through programs like Modelo Educación para la Vida y el Trabajo (MEVyT), the National Institute for Adult Education (INEA) addresses literacy and secondary education for youth and adults, along with a specific program, MEVyT 10-14, for vulnerable children aged 10 to 14.

As a flexible program that combines reading, writing, and math with life skills such as entrepreneurship, environmental awareness, and personal, family, and workplace development, it could incorporate reading packages like Read Along—a simple library for young people ages 15 to 20 who face educational setbacks. Modules might include topics like employment or health, all delivered through WhatsApp with personalized diagnostics, daily challenges, and real-time advisors. Generative AI could assist in creating content tailored to each learner’s progress and needs.

Literacy in the digital age goes beyond just reading and writing; it involves opening doors to a future where artificial intelligence can either support or hinder us, especially for those dealing with illiteracy or functional illiteracy. The challenge for Mexico—and any developing country—is to make sure technology is not a privilege but a tool that democratizes access to education and benefits those who need it most. In the end, the true measure of progress isn’t in algorithms, but in each person’s ability to fully exercise their right to learn and change their life.

EVERYONE HAS GOOD AND BAD IN THEM,

AND WE MUST HELP EVERYONE

Interview with Jane L. Delgado*

There

are always people who want to listen, but now we need people who can listen and do the things we need.

G.L. There’s something I’d like to start this interview with, and that is that to understand your work and what you do, we need to know: Where do you come from? And how did you arrive in this country?

J.D. I came here when I was two and a half years old. My parents left Cuba before Castro—so many years ago—and I grew up here. I thought I was American, but when I was in third grade, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, every day when they said the Pledge of Allegiance, they made me leave the classroom. I was eight years old; I didn’t understand what was happening. My parents brought me here, and here I am, fighting for the people—our people.

G.L. I think the Hispanic community carries a pride tied to identity. It must be difficult to maintain that identity in a country that only recently began to see the Hispanic community as a spectrum of diversity.

J.D. We have to remember that English was one of the last languages to arrive in this country.

One of the last. Spanish-speaking people were here long before English speakers—almost 100 years earlier. I grew up in New York at a time when there were many factories, and the workers came from all over Latin America.

I was raised by a mother who had tremen-

In 2022, about 59.3 million U.S. adults — roughly 23.1% of all adults — lived with any mental illness (AMI). FACTS

Young adults (ages 18-25) had the highest prevalence of mental illness in 2022, at around 36.2%.

Major Depressive Episode affects about 8.3% of U.S. adults in a given year (2021), representing approximately 21 million people.

Anxiety disorders are very common: about 18.1% of U.S. adults live with an anxiety disorder. Mental Health Foundation

Among Hispanic children ages 2-19, about 26.2% are obese—the highest obesity prevalence compared to children in the total U.S. population. Hispanic boys had especially high rates (~29.3%).

*Jane

Delgado is President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.

dous pride in our community, no matter the country. She always said, “With Mexicans there’s a special relationship because they are our brothers,” and I would ask, “Mom, why?” “Ah, the history.”

I also always remember that when the United States didn’t want anyone speaking with Cuba, Mexico maintained relations. My mom taught me always to love all our people. For me, the pride of being Latina and Hispanic is something I’ve always had because my mom instilled it in me. Even though others would ask me, “Where are you from?” I thought they were asking something else. In English, people would say, “You have olive skin.” To me, olives have green skin.

I thought I was very different. When they asked, “Where are you from?” I’d say, “I’m from this world. I’m from Earth,” because I thought people believed I came from another planet—especially since in January my mom had to fill out the alien registration card.

And because I loved TV, aliens, little Martians, people from other planets—I thought maybe that was why people saw me as different: the olive skin, the alien registration, all of that.

G.L. When did you decide you were going to dedicate yourself to health? When did you choose that path?

J.D. My mom always said, “You must always help the community.” She was an intelligent woman, but after arriving in this country she had to work in factories her entire life, and once here my father left, so she had to support everything.

I always helped others, and in fifth grade my teacher said, “You’re going to be a psychologist.” I said, “What?” “Yes, you need to study psychology because you help all the kids not to fight,” because the boys fought a lot back then and I would say, “No, no, you can’t fight,” wanted peace.

I think it was something my mom instilled in me and I’ve always had it.

Later I went to study psychology, and during my final year of my doctorate decided—I love people, but we have to change the systems that exist to support people. I asked my professor, “What should I do?” and he said, “You need to understand policy and how to advocate.”

When I graduated, I had a doctorate in clinical psychology but also a master’s in public policy. I knew I wanted to be a psychologist, but then realized I needed to change systems because health is not just mental or physical health but also everything around people: food, policy, where they live, where they work, the environment, the air they breathe. So I wanted to have an impact on all those things.

G.L. Do we live in a reality where people still know how to listen?

J.D. I think there’s so much information that people listen to the loudest voices and to those who say the most negative things. There’s also a lot of research showing that if you tell a truth and a lie, the lie is what gets repeated more and people believe it, even if it’s false.

G.L. Jane, over time the importance of talking about mental health has grown. It seems the perspective on its importance has changed. You sensed that from the start of your studies. How do you feel seeing more focus on those issues now?

J.D. Well, there’s much more need, but the focus still isn’t there. Because the reality is we don’t have enough mental health professionals, we don’t have enough resources, we don’t have enough support for families.

G.L. These supports you mention—has it become harder to get support or momentum, whether governmental, private, or through donations?

J.D. It’s much more complicated and difficult. This organization, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, started 50 years ago in Los Angeles with two Mexican Americans and a Puerto Rican who said that for our community to advance we all have to work together for mental health. It was called the Coalition of Spanish-speaking Mental Health Organizations. And here we are 50 years later, and more than ever we keep fighting for people. Understanding that language—speaking our language—is very important. I’ve always tried to maintain the language even though no one around me spoke Spanish, only my mom. But in this country they don’t appreciate people who speak another language, especially if it’s Spanish.

G.L. Why is preserving the language so important for our identity?

J.D. First, there are things in Spanish that can’t be translated into English, and in Spanish each word carries feelings that come with what you say. For example, inside a cello there’s a tiny wooden bar. That tiny bar makes the sound possible. In Spanish it’s called el alma (the soul) of the cello. In English, do you know what it’s called? The soundbar.

What a difference in feeling when someone says something! That’s because our language is magnificent, and there are things only a Spanish speaker can truly understand when using those words.

G.L. We’ve talked about the importance of language, the pride of being Hispanic and Latino. Has it become harder to maintain that pride and dignity?

J.D. I think maintaining human dignity is much harder now in general.

Because think people are so wrapped up in their own needs that they forget we live with others in this world and we have to be connected to them. What happens to others impacts us as humans, too.

Much of what’s taught here is about the experience of the 13 states in the Northeast, and many people don’t know what happened in the West, especially regarding Mexico. They don’t understand that history because they only learned about the 13 colonies. So they know nothing of that.

They don’t know that when one of my members says to me, “I didn’t cross the border, the border crossed me,” even though they’re in Texas or Puerto Rico. Many people don’t know how that happened. Part of the problem is that the history of this part of the world isn’t written in a way that celebrates Spanish heritage. And for many of us Hispanics, well, the Spaniards were terrible. But you know, at that time everyone was terrible.

As people we killed anyone for anything, but each person also has to know their heritage— what is good and what is bad.

G.L. I understand that history is important to you, and that’s why I wanted to return to your own story. Looking back helps us understand the present.

Now that you’ve looked back at history, as you live in the present and look toward the future, what do you feel you can still change? What keeps you here after 50 years working in this association?

J.D. When people in English ask me, “Where are there Hispanics?” my answer is, “Where there is work, you’ll find us.” No matter the state—Nebraska, Maine, anywhere there’s work—you’ll find us.

Because I think now more than ever we need to teach our history. For example, many people know the history of African Americans and slavery, but very few know what happened in the West and what life there was like. For example, people don’t know that since 2003 Hispanics have been the largest group. And even if, hypothetically, we removed everyone here without documents—assuming each one is Hispanic—there would still be many more Hispanics, almost 10 million more than African Americans. But people don’t celebrate that, and others don’t even know it. I think our unity as a community is very important. And you know, we fight with each other, but I say, “You know, as siblings we fight too,” sometimes, but we have to come together. Now is a time for our community to support one another.

G.L. What are your dreams? What would you still like to see or change?

All these things you’ve told us about—things you’ve seen change in this society for the Hispanic community—what is something you still long for or wish would change?

J.D.Well, that people recognize that culture and heritage are important, something that gives each person flavor, taste, and pride that matter. But remember, those good things—taken to an extreme—can become harmful to everyone. My mom used to say, “Moderation is everything, mija.” And that’s what I say: we have to appreciate each person for who they are and help them do everything they can to be the best people possible.

THE TYPES OF BEANS

TWO WAYS OF DRINKING THE SAME THING, BUT DIFFERENTLY

WHICH COUNTRY CONSUMES THE MOST INSTANT COFFEE?

CHIAPAS: APPROXIMATELY 41% OF THE NATIONAL TOTAL

VERACRUZ: AROUND 24%

ABOUT 15.3%

ACCORDING TO MEXICO’S GOVERNMENT DATA (AVERAGE 2017–2024)

THE STATES WITH THE LARGEST SHARE OF ARABICA CHERRY COFFEE PRODUCTION ARE:

Andrew Soto found his way into boxing by chance, but now he’s a guiding light in his South Phoenix community, Arizona.

BOXING LIGHTING UP

BY: ÉRIKA MONTOYA ARTWORK: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES

For some people, boxing feels like destiny—an unavoidable calling that emerges even when it’s not part of their plans. That was true for Andrew Soto, an Arizona electrician who never thought his life would change so dramatically, turning him into a community leader, a trainer of young talent, and the husband of professional boxer Sulem Urbina.

What started as a coincidence became a mission: to get kids off the streets and show them that the discipline of the ring also applies to motivation in life.

Born in the United States but with deep Sinaloan roots, Andrew grew up between two worlds: participating in amateur sports during his childhood—trying boxing, martial arts, basketball, and even football—and dreaming of playing in the NBA. “I wanted to be an NBA player, but because of injuries and things like that, I couldn’t keep going,” he recalls.

It was during that almost depressive stage, after his premature retirement from basketball, when fate knocked on his door: a professional boxer friend of his brother passed away and left behind a boxing gym. Andrew thought it would be just a normal gym with weights and memberships, but he quickly realized he had inherited something much larger: a space that required direction, passion, and vision.

“I thought for a moment, trying to remember how to do it. And yes, I gave

I thought for a moment, trying to remember how to do it. And yes, I gave it my all, and it turns out we’re still going strong. It’s been 25 years’

it my all, and it turns out we’re still going strong. It’s been 25 years,” he says proudly.

Since then, Knockout Boxing Club in South Phoenix has become a haven for dozens of kids and teenagers—a place where intense training is balanced with care. Andrew always emphasizes giving “110 percent,” expecting the same effort from his students. His goal isn’t just to produce champions—though his gym has already gained more than 50 amateur national titles—but to develop citizens who can face life with discipline. His journey also highlights the challenges of breaking through in such a competitive field. Several of his amateur standouts have been taken by other managers when turning professional. Yet, far from discouraging him, Andrew doubles down on his commitment to the youngest.

“I want to be the kind of coach I wish I had. If someone had pushed me harder and supported me, maybe I could’ve gone further. That’s what I want to give every kid who comes to me.

Knockout Boxing Club doesn’t just teach technique; it provides an alternative to street dangers and a generation’s apathy toward screens.

Desperate parents turn to Andrew as a guide to help channel their children’s energy and give them purpose. “They bring them to me because they say, ‘I don’t want them at home just wasting time.’ I work with them, and if they want to compete as amateurs, that’s great. But I expect 100 percent from everyone.”

The impact is obvious: young fighters like Yahir Miranda, who in just 20 amateur bouts has already defeated opponents with over 50 fights, or female prospects like 14-year-old Ciana Chávez (with seven national championships) and 15-year-old Giselle Luján (with five titles), show what can happen when talent is paired with the right guidance.

Andrew has represented the United States in international tournaments, taking teams to Russia, Qatar, and Venezuela. On the professional side, he has worked corners at world championship fights, including the toughest nights alongside his wife, Sulem Urbina, herself a product of that same discipline and hard work.

But beyond the spotlight, Andrew knows his mission runs deeper. The gym continues to operate through raffles, public sparring sessions, and the support of parents. Resources are always limited, but the reward of seeing a young person avoid violence, addiction, or apathy outweighs any financial hardships.

“When they win, the victory is theirs. The result shows in the boxer. I’m just here to give them the tools,” he says.

That outlook sums up the legacy of a man who didn’t seek boxing but fully embraced it.

Today, 25 years after that unexpected inheritance, Andrew is more than just an electrician who connects cables and transformers; he is a mentor who illuminates paths. His story demonstrates that when destiny appears, the key is not to hesitate, but to give it your all.