We interviewed Dr. Pedro Salazar Ugarte about the positive and negative aspects of the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and migration.
BY DANIEL BENET PHOTOART: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
D.B.: Migration and artificial intelligence are two of the most relevant topics today, and they seem to reflect a collective inability to regulate processes that are increasing inequality gaps when they should be mechanisms to reduce them. Where do these two major topics—migration and artificial intelligence—intersect?
P.S.: That is a very interesting and relevant question. Indeed, these are two global issues, not just at our northern border. Migration has become a top-priority topic on the global agenda.
On the other hand, technological developments have accelerated tremendously in recent years, especially since the emergence of generative artificial intelligence in November 2022. However, this technological evolution has been underway for quite some time, with ongoing advancements aiming to approximate human intelligence.
At the ILR research line, we have identified several pressing issues affecting migrants. Migration is not a uniform phenomenon; there are people in transit, individuals already in another country without legal documentation, those who have been repatriated, asylum seekers, and many other situations. Despite this diversity, the challenges migrants face tend to be similar.
Our goal is to identify some of these challenges and explore how artificial intelligence can provide solutions.
At this point, there is a promising intersection between a pressing, growing social issue—migration— and a technological development that can be highly useful—artificial intelligence.
D.B.: Are there examples of artificial intelligence being used to target
migrant communities, particularly in the United States, that you have identified?
P.S.: That would be the negative or authoritarian use of technological tools. Not only in the United States but also in other countries, technology has been used to track migration flows and attempt to contain them. Authorities employ biometric data and facial recognition to monitor migration patterns, anticipate routes, and predict numbers.
From the perspective of state authorities, some governments use these technologies to deter migration, control it, and even criminalize it. This trend is growing, and I fear it is here to stay.
Our approach is different: we focus on the real needs of migrants. How can we assist them? How can we facilitate their journey?
D.B. As you mention, these are two sides of the same coin. Technology can serve as a tool for segregation but also for integrating migrant communities into their new societies. In the United States, artificial intelligence is heavily used to build anti-immigrant narratives, particularly on social media, where algorithms amplify fears and prejudices, even spreading false information. What do you think could be done to counter these narratives and use technology to create narratives that are more grounded in reality?
P.S.: That is a very important issue, especially in border areas and migration-related contexts. The misuse of technology can distort and falsify information, creating an environment based on misinformation that is harmful to migrant communities.
We have seen the construction of negative, discriminatory, and exclusionary narratives in other areas, such as politics and elections. However, in the case of migration, these narratives reinforce stereotypes, stigmatization, and prejudice, leading to discrimina-
Chatting About
"At this point, there is a fortunate intersection between a present, urgent, and growing social phenomenon like migration and a technological development, such as artificial intelligence, that can be of immense value."
"We must not remain on the sidelines as a country, and in this regard, the state and government have a fundamental responsibility."
*Dr. Pedro Salazar Ugarte is a researcher at the Institute of Legal Research (ILR) of UNAM and coordinator of the research line on law and artificial intelligence.
tion and exclusion. Unfortunately, this is a widespread reality.
The key is to denounce false information, counter it with verified data, and foster trust networks on both sides of the border.
We believe that public and private universities have a significant social responsibility at this moment. They should act as filters against misinformation and serve as fact-checking institutions. The goal is to foster an informed public capable of understanding complex social phenomena like migration.
D.B.: During the inauguration of the current U.S. president, the presence of leaders from major tech companies was highly notable. These companies are responsible not only for their systems’ functionality but also for regulating the flow of information. There is currently a strong alliance between the U.S. government and these tech companies.
Is there any way for the Mexican government to influence the development of artificial intelligence and its application to protect the Mexican community in the U.S.?
P.S.: Objectively speaking, the capacity of states—Mexico included—is quite limited in this regard. U.S. policies on the relationship between the government and digital platforms have changed radically in recent months. The Biden administration initially sought to implement broad regulatory frameworks to oversee content moderation and ensure responsible digital communication.
On the other hand, major tech companies, until recently, had compliance policies that included mechanisms for verifying the accuracy of transmitted information. These mechanisms helped curb misinformation, malicious content, and narratives promoting hatred, discrimination, and even violence.
However, in the last few months, with the Trump administration returning, the U.S. government has chosen to withdraw from regulatory efforts, deciding not to impose any restrictions on technological developments.
At the same time, tech companies have changed their policies accordingly.
This makes it extremely difficult for a government like Mexico’s to influence the policies and practices of these global corporations, even though their headquarters are legally and politically based in the U.S.
We know there have been tensions with Europe because the EU has a
regulatory framework in place, but even that has struggled to keep up with technological advancements. Ultimately, the legal, political, and practical capabilities of nation-states are quite limited in the face of technological evolution and U.S. policy strategies.
D.B. Moving on to a more positive outlook, what have you identified that the Mexican government, higher education institutions, or even the general public could do to stay informed and use artificial intelligence to improve migration-related information access and support migrants?
P.S.: The first thing to acknowledge is that technological tools always have two sides. They can be highly beneficial for governments, helping to design inclusive public policies based on a human rights perspective. Technology allows for more efficient and well-informed policies. Governments should leverage technology to modernize their management processes and enhance communication with the public.
I believe the current Mexican government has taken a step in the right direction by creating an agency dedicated to technological matters. This is a positive and strategic decision. The first challenge is to overcome the fear of technology. People must understand how it works, what it can and cannot do, and how to use it responsibly. Expanding access to technology is also crucial, this isn’t just about knowledge and skills; it’s about infrastructure. We need the right infrastructure to ensure the broadest possible access to technological tools across geographic regions.
This presents a major challenge in terms of infrastructure and investment. If more people can access technology inclusively, we will create greater equality in its use. Another key aspect is strategic utilization. Emerging technologies— such as generative AI and, eventually, artificial general intelligence—will be an integral part of life for future generations. We must determine how to use them effectively. Technology should help build more informed, cohesive, and inclusive societies. Nations that fail to integrate AI risk falling behind countries like the U.S., China, and advanced European nations, as well as manufacturing-based economies that skillfully use AI, such as India. Mexico cannot afford to be left behind. The government has a fundamental responsibility in this regard.
ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE and Migration
Luisa H.
Artificial intelligence and gender gaps
THE RISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES HAS SPARKED A SURGE IN GENDERBASED DIGITAL VIOLENCE. WOMEN AND GIRLS WORLDWIDE ARE INCREASINGLY TARGETED THROUGH DEEPFAKES, HARASSMENT, AND ONLINE ABUSE, WHILE LEGAL SYSTEMS STRUGGLE TO KEEP PACE
The most straightforward phrase often heard about unwanted exposure on the internet is: “If you don’t want anyone to see it, don’t upload it!” But what happens when that exposure wasn’t consented to—and it directly violates the sexual privacy of women, girls, or adolescents?
Violence against women and girls in cyberspace has grown in both scale and impact. While violence against this group is nothing new, the rise of email and social media has made them frequent targets of cyberbullying and harassment. Technology has handed aggressors with new tools to harass, exploit, and threaten—ranging from defamation and non-consensual sharing of intimate images to violations of sexual privacy, stalking, and identity theft.
According to the 2024 report by the UN Secretary-General on efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, tech-facilitated gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread human rights issues globally. The report identifies three key challenges to protecting this group: a growing backlash against women’s rights, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and the spread of misogynistic content online that fuels gender-based violence.
national legal frameworks worsen the situation, leaving victims with little or no recourse.
UN Women estimates that millions of women and girls experience technology-facilitated abuse and violence every year. Studies suggest that between 16% and 58% of women have been exposed to this type of violence. Data from various regions confirms that this is a global issue.
Certain groups face even higher risks: young women and girls, women with disabilities, women of color, Indigenous women, migrants, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Women in public and political life—human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and lawmakers—experience disproportionately high levels of violence, both online and offline. According to UNESCO, 73% of female journalists have faced online abuse during their work.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union found that 58% of African female parliamentarians have encountered online attacks.
The future of cyberviolence against women appears grim.
It also warns that generative AI (GenAI) exacerbates this violence by reinforcing and amplifying misogynistic attitudes that justify, excuse, or normalize digital gender-based abuse.
The United Nations Western Europe Information Centre points out that emerging technologies— especially GenAI—have added complexity to cyber violence.
Deepfake pornography tools have made it easier for aggressors to fabricate explicit content, blurring the line between real and fake. Victims of such abuse often struggle to prove the falsity of the images or videos, leaving them defenseless and exposed to psychological, social, and even economic harm.
The future of cyberviolence against women appears grim. The potential for abuse in immersive digital environments—such as the metaverse or virtual reality—has raised alarms as perpetrators develop increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerable individuals. The internet’s borderless nature exacerbates the issue, complicating efforts by countries, institutions, and individuals to hold offenders accountable. Weak
Amid this growing vulnerability, there has been a notable increase in strategic litigation efforts aimed at addressing digital gender-based violence—particularly in Europe. These cases seek to set legal precedents and protect digital rights for women and girls. Strategic litigation is critical in driving changes in public policy, legislation, and judicial practice.
In Mexico, the most prominent example is the Olimpia case, which resulted in the creation of the law that bears her name. In 2014, Olimpia Coral Melo became the victim of the non-consensual sharing of an intimate video—a violation that profoundly affected her personal and professional life. Her story resonated with countless other women in Mexico who experienced similar violations and became a rallying point for collective action.
Olimpia’s movement, backed by feminist and human rights organizations, aimed to highlight digital violence and advocate for legal reforms to protect victims and penalize perpetrators. The so-called “Olimpia Law” has now been adopted in 28 states across Mexico, including Mexico City, as well as at the federal level. It criminalizes digital violence against women and has already resulted in tangible consequences—such as the recent incident involving a man who filmed women in a shopping center bathroom by placing his phone under the stall doors. If he hadn’t been noticed, the footage could have ended up on social media or been altered using GenAI tools.
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY: EVOLUTION AND IMPACT
Agricultural technology has profoundly transformed farming. These tools, from sensors and drones to artificial intelligence and satellites, enable more efficient, sustainable, and profitable production. This article explores its evolution, advantages, challenges, and outlook.
BY: KATERYNA SERGIEIEVA*
ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Modern agriculture is
an
Thanks to
sowing, irrigating, and harvesting no longer rely solely on experience and intuition; they depend on data, sensors, predictive analytics, and automated systems. The goal is not only to produce more but to do so more efficiently, sustainably, and resiliently. This shift is driven by agricultural technology or agritech—a broad array of tools that includes sensors, drones, satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, robotics, GPS systems, big data, and mobile connectivity. Their adoption in the field has optimized processes, reduced losses, supported better decision-making, and minimized environmental impact.
SUCCESS STORIES
Precision agriculture has been used since the 1980s to describe the application of digital technologies in the most advanced agricultural regions globally. In Mexico, states such as Guanajuato, Sinaloa, Jalisco, and Baja California already utilize these technologies to assess optimal planting density more accurately, estimate the required amount of fertilizer and necessary inputs, and predict crop yields and production with greater precision, according to various sources.
To identify the sugarcane-growing regions of Mexico, satellite images were processed, resulting in a digital mapping of 912,968 hectares encompassing 341,815 polygons. According to data from the National Committee for the Sustainable Development of Sugarcane (CONADESUCA), this effort has created a digital record of the country’s sugarcane fields.
Additionally, vegetation indices are calculated— such as the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), Moisture Stress Index (MSI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI)—to assess the behavior of crops in response to climate factors affecting sugarcane growth. These indices indicate crop maturity, leaf area coverage, moisture levels, and more. These tools have provided Mexican sugarcane producers with timely and more accurate information about their crops, aiming to assist farmers in their decision-making processes.
In response to changing consumption trends, primary production has also been redirected towards other sectors of the economy, such as energy. Using sugarcane as a raw material for ethanol production offers a viable alternative to address the challenges posed by introducing new sweeteners.
The sugar market has been losing ground to high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). In the 2015/16 cycle, HFCS accounted for 27.3% of sweetener consumption, while sugar made up 72.7%.
In 2024, through precision agriculture, CONADESUCA achieved remarkable results in sugarcane production, featuring accurate yield estimates and a 60% progress rate that underscores enhanced efficiency and precision in managing the harvest.
Sugarcane is a crop in which precision agriculture has demonstrated substantial potential. Significant production gains have been achieved; however, this progress has come at a high cost regarding agrochemical inputs and mechanization.
Corn is the United States’ most significant agricultural product in acreage and production, covering over 90 million acres, mainly in the Midwest, known as the Corn Belt. This crop is essential to the American economy and is used for livestock feed, ethanol production, and food products like corn syrup and cornmeal. States such as Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska lead in corn production, generating billions of dollars for the economy.
Corn’s history in the U.S. dates to the indigenous peoples who cultivated it as a staple crop. With the rise of modern agriculture, corn production has surged due to innovations in seed genetics and precision farming. Anecdotes about towering stalks and legendary harvests emphasize the significance of corn in rural communities.
The tangible benefits of using technology in agriculture are evident: it increases yield per hectare, reduces inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, and decreases losses caused by climate events or pests. It also enhances product quality, improves crop insurance and financial services access, strengthens traceability throughout the supply chain, and promotes better working conditions through task automation. Moreover, these tools can empower small farms to access advanced solutions with sufficient connectivity and technical training.
Agricultural technology is transforming the industry. Today, data is as valuable as seed, and technical knowledge has become the most powerful tool in a farmer’s hands. If we can bridge the access gap, train rural talent, and prioritize the health of our planet, the agriculture of the future will serve as a global guarantee of well-being.
* The author holds a PhD in Information Technology and has 15
BY: EUNICE RENDÓN AND PABLO ALMULI ARTWORK: IVAN BARRERA
Mexico held the National Boxing Class for Peace and Against Addictions, a historic initiative that brought together thousands of participants across the country. The event showcased the power of boxing as a tool for prevention, recovery, and social reintegration.
BOXING BEYOND BARRIERS:
Peace and recovery must be built through the strength of our bodies, the clarity of our minds, and the hope ignited by sports. Leave no one behind: building peace is a collective responsibility.
Shifting the focus from punishment to reintegration is crucial, offering opportunities to those who may have never had one before.
Boxing offers unique benefits that are vital in aiding the reintegration of incarcerated individuals.
n April 6, 2025, Mexico sent a powerful message to the world: sport has the power to forge peace, drive recovery, and fosterinclusion. In a groundbreaking national initiative, thousands of citizens gathered across the country to participate in the National Boxing Class for Peace and Against Addictions, a transformative event that united communities in public squares, rehabilitation centers, and penitentiary facilities. Held in commemoration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the class proved that sport transcends barriers—even the walls of a prison—to share a common purpose and sparkhope. Led by President Claudia Sheinbaum at the iconic Zócalo of Mexico City —and replicated simultaneously in the main squares of all 31 states under the guidance of local governors—the event was coordinated by Miguel Torruco, Director for the Promotion of Sport and Wellbeing, in close collaboration with Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC). World-renowned boxing champions including Julio César Chávez, Roberto Durán, and Óscar de la Hoya joined the authorities, inspiring participants and reinforcing the core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that boxing stands for. Chávez, who himself overcame addictions, emphasized the importance of sports as a potent tool for prevention and the battle against addiction.
Yet, the most moving scenes of the day unfolded within the prisons. Across the nation, screens captured dozens of correctional facilities, where people deprived of liberty joined the massive class—boxing, breathing and raising their fists, not in anger, but in unity.Their participation was made possible through the dedicated effort and commitment of the national penitentiary authorities and the collaboration of the Business Council for Social Reintegration (CERES). The powerful scenes not only showcased the resilience of the inmates but also affirmed their right to be seen, included, and supported in their journey toward transformation. Addiction recovery centers also joined the mobilization, embracing boxing as a therapeutic strategy. Cristóbal, a recovered patient from the RAIBU Addiction Treatment Center, stressed that, above all, physical activity played a vital role in his journey out ofaddiction. As he explained, “It was essential for clearing my mind and easing my healing process.”
This initiative echoed the philosophy of international efforts like UNODC’s SC:ORE (Sport against Crime: Outreach, Resilience, Empowerment) program, which harnesses sport as a tool to prevent violence and aid the social reintegration of at-risk populations. By incorporating structured boxing lessons within prisons, incarcerated individuals gain the opportunity to develop essential life skills—emotional regulation, self-control and teamwork—that lay the foundation for a more peaceful reintegration into society.
The event also featured the symbolic and deeply meaningful #WhiteCard campaign of Peace and Sport, the Monaco-based organization under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II. For the first time in Mexico, white cards were raised not only in public squares, but also within prisons, connecting the incarcerated to a global movement for peace through sport. This simple yet powerful gesture underscored the idea that peace is possible anywhere—even in the most confined spaces.
A prime example is “Knockout: Do Not Give Up,” a program by Red VIRAL and the WBC, that has earned accolades at multiple international forums—including the Paris Peace Forum and the United Nations General Assembly. Implemented in over ten prisons across Mexico and Argentina, Knockout provides not only boxing training but also emotional support, mentorship, and tools for reintegration. Its success shows that sport, when combined with care and structure, can transform lives. The mega class unfolded as a monumental event— massive, moving and historic. Far more than just a coordinated workout, it became a national ritual of unity—bringing together inmates, youth, recovering addicts, public officials, champions, and everyday citizens. It reflected a growing consensus: that peace and recovery must be built inclusively, with the strength of our bodies, the clarity of our minds, and the hope that sport ignites.
FULL SPEED AHEAD
BY: TOÑO DE VALDÉS
ART: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Today, I want to highlight three individuals who, in my opinion, possess the qualities necessary to stand out this year. These three players represent different positions and stages in their careers, yet they all share the same grit and pride in wearing the Mexican colors in the Big Leagues.
Andrés Muñoz, the right-handed reliever from Sinaloa playing for the Seattle Mariners, is a true fireballer. In 2024, he had his best season in terms of saves, racking up 22. Now, in 2025, he’s off to a strong start—he closed out Opening Day with a solid performance against the A’s. What’s the key to his success? A fastball that can reach 103 miles per hour, combined with a calm, focused mindset when facing the tensest moments of the game. Andrés is no longer just a promising player—he’s the real deal and one of the most respected pitchers in the American League. And he’s only 26! Then there’s Javier Assad, the right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, who unfortunately missed the start of the season due to a left oblique strain. But watch out—if there’s one thing Assad has proven, it’s his grit and determination to come back stronger. In 2024, he had a solid year with 29 starts and a 3.73 ERA—his best since reaching the Majors. This 2025 season marks his fourth year in the Big Leagues, and if he recovers quickly, I have no doubt he’ll reclaim his spot as the Cubs’ fifth starter. He’s a reliable pitcher with excellent control and composure on the mound.
From pitching, we turn to offense with Isaac
TO THE BIG LEAGUES!
Play ball has been called for a new Major League Baseball season, and as every year, Mexican players are ready to write their own stories in the best baseball league in the world. Eighteen of them are starting 2025 on an active roster, and over 20 more are waiting for their chance in the minors. The Mexican presence continues to grow— and that’s no coincidence. There’s talent, hard
Paredes, who joined the Houston Astros this year with high expectations. The infielder from Sonora comes off a standout season with Tampa Bay, and now in Houston, he’s expected to be a key player in the lineup. His power at the plate, ability to drive in runs, and solid defense at third base make him a well-rounded player. While his Opening Day debut was quiet with the bat, he already showcased a defensive gem at third base against the Mets. He’s one of those players who quietly does the job—but becomes indispensable when it matters most. In a lineup as stacked as Houston’s, Isaac has the chance to shine like never before.
Of course, these are just three names to watch, but let’s not forget other Mexicans who will be making headlines this year: Alejandro Kirk continues to be one of the top offensive catchers for the Blue Jays; Ramón Urías impressed during Spring Training and is expected to have a strong season at third base for the Orioles, where he’s likely to be the starter; and Manuel Rodríguez, the Yucatán native, has earned a spot in the Rays’ bullpen. He has a quality arm, and we’ll be watching to see how much playing time he gets with the Florida team.
and a passion that is evident in every
every
and every swing.
Every season brings a new opportunity, and our Mexican players in the Major Leagues know they represent more than just their teams—they represent an entire country. They inspire us, excite us, and fill us with pride with every play. So, as we do every year, I invite you to closely follow these warriors of the diamond. Beyond the stats, what they bring is pure love for the game.
Here’s to a fantastic season for everyone—and to all the excitement that awaits the Mexican fans who passionately follow baseball!
