Alabama's U.S. Senators are continuing to fight for answers regarding the Mexican government’s mistreatment of Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials Company two years after the Mexican government illegally invaded and shut down Vulcan’s deep-water port in Quintana Roo.
Since 2022, the Mexican government has targeted Vulcan on multiple occasions, twice with a military invasion and occupation of the company's property. Mexican President Lopez Obrador has also threatened to forcibly take over the company's port and limestone quarry, forcing their operations out of Mexico, despite the company’s consistent presence in the country for more than 35 years multiple times.
U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) on Thursday sent a letter to Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico Alicia Bárcena "to reverse the actions taken against Vulcan and work towards a beneficial solution for all parties involved."
"Through multiple interactions with the Government of Mexico (GOM) over the past two years, we have sought an explanation for the unfair treatment of Vulcan by the GOM," the letter reads. "This week marks two years since the GOM illegally invaded and shut down the lawful operations of Vulcan in Quintana Roo, Mexico."
It continues, "Since then, Vulcan has faced persistent threats and harassment from the GOM including a second military invasion and occupation of the company's property in March of 2023, as well as a public statement from President Lopez Obrador threatening to turn the property into an environmentally protected area. These unnecessary, unwarranted, and unprecedented actions have undoubtedly harmed infrastructure developments in Mexico and the United States and threaten to undermine the long-standing bilateral relationship that our two countries currently enjoy. In fact, they have eroded the confidence this delegation has in President Lopez Obrador’s leadership in enforcing our existing free trade agreements and adhering to the rule of law."
"If Vulcan’s land and port are seized, we will be forced to consider all available remedies at our disposal to ensure no entity or individual benefits from the theft of this property. Accordingly, we urge the GOM to reverse the actions taken against Vulcan and work towards a beneficial solution for all parties involved," the letter concludes.
Both Britt and Tuberville urged the Mexican government to find a constructive path for both parties quickly.
“Alabama is proud to be home to the world-renowned Vulcan Materials Company," Tuberville said in a statement. "Vulcan has provided good-paying jobs to thousands of Americans since its founding more than 100 years ago. Vulcan has operated an environmentally award-winning business in Mexico for more than three decades, boosting economic growth in the region. The Mexican government’s hostility toward Vulcan is unwarranted, and jeopardizes the long-standing bilateral relationship between Mexico and the U.S. I will continue fighting for the prosperity of American businesses, and I hope this situation will be resolved quickly and fairly."
Britt stated, “President López Obrador’s conduct threatening Vulcan’s lawful operations in Mexico has consistently been unacceptable and illegitimate under Mexican law and international law. Key infrastructure projects in Alabama and across the Southeastern United States continue to be in jeopardy because of this Mexican presidential administration’s lawlessness."
"I will always stand up for Alabama’s and America’s economic and security interests, and I urge the Mexican government to find a constructive path forward that will not threaten further degradation in the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship," she added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email trent.baker@1819news.com.
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