If you woke up in Mexico City today, you probably felt that familiar, slightly frantic buzz that usually precedes a major shift in the city's rhythm. Things are moving fast. Between a massive security bust involving the notorious Tren de Aragua gang and the lingering psychological aftershocks of the January 2 magnitude 6.5 earthquake, the capital is on edge.
Honestly, it's a lot to process.
The big headline dominating news from mexico city today is the arrest of six members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch confirmed the news this morning, January 13, 2026. This wasn't just a random patrol stop. We’re talking about a coordinated intelligence operation involving the Army, the National Guard, and local CDMX police. They hit two homes in the Valle Gómez neighborhood—just north of the historic center—and another spot in Iztapalapa.
Among those detained was Lesli Valeri Flores Arrieta. Authorities say she was the one "collecting" from sexual exploitation and drug distribution. They even found a notebook with a list of names for extortion. It’s chilling.
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The Elephant in the Room: The World Cup Boycott
Down south, specifically around the Estadio Azteca, the vibe is completely different.
While the government is busy prepping for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local neighborhood organizations in Santa Úrsula Coapa are calling for a full-blown boycott. It's not just about soccer. They’re furious about "social cleansing" and the hyper-gentrification that follows these massive events. Today, graphic protests and street art appeared near the stadium with anti-imperialist messages, partly fueled by the recent political tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.
"The World Cup is going to magnify gentrification," Natalia Lara from the Tlalpan Neighborhood Assembly told reporters earlier. People are worried their water is being diverted to the stadium while their taps run dry. You've got street vendors being pushed out of the light rail stations. It's a mess.
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Why the Ground Still Feels Shaky
Even though it’s been eleven days since the 6.5 quake hit, the conversation hasn't shifted. Everyone is still talking about it.
President Claudia Sheinbaum had to evacuate her morning press conference (the mañanera) when the alarms screamed. It was a stark reminder of how vulnerable the valley is. One man in Benito Juárez actually died from a fall while trying to get out of his apartment. Today, crews are still out inspecting about 34 buildings that might be at risk of collapse.
If you're driving through the city today, watch out for the traffic. Social mobilizations and blockades are scheduled across three major boroughs. The Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) warned that protesters are planning to hit the south and west sides of the city.
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News from mexico city today shows a capital trying to balance its global ambitions—like hosting the world's biggest sporting event—with the reality of local gangs and crumbling infrastructure.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re living in or visiting CDMX right now, here’s how to navigate the chaos:
- Avoid the Azteca Area: Unless you have to be there, stay away from the Calzada de Tlalpan today. The protests are unpredictable and the traffic is a nightmare.
- Check Your Building: If you noticed new cracks after the January 2nd quake, call 911 or contact Civil Protection for a free assessment. Don't wait.
- Watch the Peso: Capital flight has slowed down, but with the USMCA trade review coming up, things are volatile. If you're doing business here, keep a close eye on the exchange rate.
- Stay Informed on Security: The Tren de Aragua arrests are a win, but these groups have deep ties. Stick to well-lit, populated areas in the evenings, especially around Valle Gómez and Iztapalapa.
The city is changing, and it's happening in real-time. Whether it's the new Cablebús route being built or the sculptures of indigenous queens appearing on Reforma, Mexico City remains a place of intense contrast.