Por: Xavier Rivas Martínez Habitar, ser residente de una región como la de Baja California, parte de Sonora, no necesariamente es ser ciudadano. Esta aclaración nos la comparte el ingeniero César Ponce, empresario de nueva generación, con relación al desorden que tenemos en todos los municipios de Baja California con asuntos como seguridad pública, vialidades saturadas, estacionamientos insuficientes, falta de atención a parques comunitarios, zonas rurales descuidadas como el valle de Mexicali, entre muchos más retos que son resultado, además de autoridades ineficientes, de residentes que ingresamos los números más no la responsabilidad que nos corresponde para complementar a las autoridades y viceversa. Con más de tres millones de habitantes, Baja California no es un ejemplo de ciudadanos que desde el hogar y con valores familiares y éticas como era antes, hoy ni siquiera limpiamos los frentes de nuestros hogares, no tiramos la basura en su lugar, conducimos tanto autos como motocicletas en lo general sin observar los reglamentos de velocidad y de movilidad. Ni siquiera observamos un modesto saludo a nuestros vecinos, como que si viviéramos en burbujas. Esto se refleja en el desorden de nuestras ciudades provocado tanto por el ciudadano como por las autoridades. Vaya que algunas autoridades o funcionarios ponen de su parte y hacen más allá de su responsabilidad, pero en general hemos caído en un desastre social. Y qué razón tiene el ingeniero Ponce de que sólo habitamos y no observamos la responsabilidad de ser ciudadanos con obligaciones. En un contexto donde el envejecimiento de la población plantea retos cada vez más complejos para los sistemas de salud, las acciones preventivas y de atención directa adquieren un valor estratégico. En el estado de Baja California, encabezado por Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, el programa de cirugías gratuitas de cataratas ha permitido que más de 4 mil 400 personas adultas mayores recuperen la vista durante la actual administración estatal, un dato que no debe pasar desapercibido. Nada de esto es nuevo. Los filósofos de la antigüedad, hace más de dos mil años, habían manejado estos temas considerados precisamente como los aspectos fundamentales de la existencia humana. Las emociones mal manejadas nos echan a perder nuestra paz y armonía, aunque aparentemente tengamos todo para ser felices. El olvido de los valores fundamentales destruye sociedades lentamente y sin remedio. “Me hicieron enojar”, “me muero si me dejas”, “me deprimí porque me ganaron el puesto” son palabras y frases que forman parte de nuestra relación con el mundo y muestran que dependemos en gran medida de circunstancias ajenas y de múltiples prejuicios para estar tranquilos y en paz. Si bien es cierto que es humano tener miedo a la muerte, a la enfermedad y a la pobreza, hay otros miedos irracionales y tontos que sólo nos hacen perder el valioso tiempo de la vida. Actualmente estamos viviendo una época que quizás sea el fin de un ciclo y el principio de una nueva era. Los cambios son vertiginosos y la fragmentación social, las guerras y la propia decadencia de las culturas son motivos suficientes para sentir temor. Vivir con miedo es lo cotidiano y no debería serlo. El miedo, además del daño individual, provoca que actuemos poco y se manifieste en una pobre conciencia social que raya en la irresponsabilidad, olvidando que precisamente es en esta época de cambios cuando surgen todas las posibilidades para corregir los caminos mal andados y construir y reconstruir nuestra sociedad. Necesario, urgente: ser ciudadanos, no habitantes solamente. Feliz nuevo año 2026.
LGCN Breaks $550K in Grantmaking—A First for Our Network!
Dear LCF Family, I am proud to share that the Latino Community Foundation’s Latino Giving Circle Network® (LGCN) has reached a historic milestone with over $550,000 in grants awarded this year, the first time the Network has achieved this level of impact! This milestone follows the Network’s decision to unite around a shared funding priority—immigrant services and advocacy—after recent ICE raids began in Los Angeles in June. LGCN members turned their shared values into meaningful action by supporting more than 30 organizations leading the fight for immigrant justice. I am inspired by the leadership, unity, and courage of this Network. What we have achieved together shows the power of collective giving and the extraordinary impact that happens when communities invest in themselves. We invite you to learn more about the Latino Giving Circle Network® on our website and join us in supporting immigrant-led organizations driving positive change in our communities. When we give together, we build stronger communities and a more just future for everyone. Warmly, Julián Castro CEO Latino Community Foundation
¿Qué Dice La Gente?
December 2025 By Don Panchito. With so much going on, I keep listening to what some people are saying. Esto es poco de lo que la gente está hablando en las calles, Internet, redes sociales, noticieros,y radio. In Nevada, the race for Governor, A.G. Aaron Ford is tied with incumbent Joe Lombardo. People are starting to see the Trump in Joe Lombardo. Henderson Mayor M. Romero is doing a great job. Let’s keep her there for four more years. Antonio Villaraigosa is running for Governor of California and is coming out stronger than expected in many areas of the state. It may be a rumor, but it sounds like more Latinos will be elected in 2026. The ICE raids are a violation of the Constitution and the People’s Civil Rights. Every U.S. citizen who was or is a victim of Trump’s crime against Latinos should hire a civil rights attorney and sue ICE and some police officers for violating their civil rights. Thousands of great men and women have given their lives to protect us from what MAGA is doing to destroy the USA. Make The Road Nevada is doing a great job and are demonstrating Chacano and Latino Power. Venezuela’s President Maduro is cornered and will be ousted from power. Let’s see how Trump is planning to take their oil. But the people will feel Freedom again. Everyday more people are running to the border for quality health care. The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus has been recognized for doing a great job in defending Latino issues and standing strong together. If you believe anything Mike Johnson says, you are not paying attention. He is so out of reach on what Americans are going through, and he thinks we believe him. He is a Trump Puppet who will be ousted soon from his power. For the Latino Trump MAGA supporters who have no shame, they are an embarrassment. Many of them made their riches from the immigrant consumer, and now they support their deportation. When Trump and MAGA are powerless, and all is back to normal. We will know who the traitors were during the Trump invasion against Latinos. History will know. Qué bola de pendejos. For now, this is what some people are saying. If you want to do a shout-out on what you feel is happening in the Chicano and Latino population, all you need to do is send me an email to Info@MundoLatinoToday.com. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Healthy, and Wealthy 2026. Please be prepared to Vote in 2026. Don Panchito.
¿Qué Dice La Gente? By Don Panchito
“I pay attention to what Chicanos and Latinos are saying on the Internet, Social Media, TV, Radio, and on the streets, about what is happening in the community. Here is what some people are saying” By Don Panchito Looking ahead at the 2026 general elections, Democrats need to gain a net of four seats to win a majority in the chamber. Meanwhile, Republicans can only lose two seats and retain a majority in the chamber. …setting a world record as the first institution ever to have four faculty members win the prestigious award in a single year. Weeks later, the Trump administration demanded that UCLA pay $1.2 billion and threatened to freeze over $584 million in federal research funding permanently. The timing wasn’t coincidental. It was retribution. Only a Bully with his unqualified, uneducated Cabinet (puppets) members. My family and I are proud of Daniel Garza and The LIBRE Organization. Very well organized, professional, and brave to stand up for all Chicanos and Latinos, the only real voice for the millions of Latino Conservatives who love the USA. It is not about seeking fame; it’s all about loving children and providing them with a better education in today’s time. First, he says Metro will not participate as ICE Agents. Then he signs a deal with the Feds to have Metro work as ICE Agents to arrest Latinos. ACLU is suing him and now he says he is up for re-election. It will be up to the Latino Voters to keep him in office, over 400,000 Latino Voters in Clark County. He started with strong Latino support. Lets see if he can keep it. Bad move. Happy to learn Cisco Aguilar is up for re-election for Nevada Secretary of State Thank You! To all the great Teachers who are doing their best to help children grow strong and smart. I pray that you will one day be given the full power to be a Teacher. People are preparing for the Holidays. This year, let’s try to give it to those in need. Get involved with your church or community organization. Teach your children to do the same. We are in a time when we need to share more kindness with everyone and put our grudges aside. There is too much division happening. Don’t believe everything you see and hear. We are entering a new world of fakery and dishonor. Teach your children to understand the difference. Three Latinos are running for Governor in California. Calderon and Becerra are expected to be the front-runners among Latino voters. Villaraigosa is not raising the money needed, and his absence from politics after he left the mayor’s office is not helping younger voters. There are many other non-Latino candidates, and we will see who can go to the General elections after the primaries in June 2026. It will be expensive. The newly elected Latina from Arizona, Adelita Gijalva, is making Mike Johnson look very racist, ignorant, and discriminatory by not swearing her into Congress, after being elected by the People of her district. So she sued MAGA Mike. How many Latinos and Latinas who love the USA, DO NOT believe when the MAGA Trump Republicans tell us that it is the Democrats who are causing the G-shutdown? Hint: It’s the Majority. “Thank You” To the over 10 million Americans and Immigrants who stood up with the No King Rallies across the USA. And Thank You to all the Social Media Reporters that reached over 100 + million viewers across the USA and millions more in countries all over the world. on Social Media MAGA calls us Haters of the USA, we say “Real Americans to Stop a Dictator”. I am Sorry, but the USA has the most embarrassing Cabinet Leaders who are totally unqualified to Lead. What a Joke. Things are going to get tough, but we will overcome. The MAGAs are only showing stupidity and division in the Greatest Country on Earth, founded and built by immigrants. Thank you for your time, and I will continue to listen to what Chicanos and Latinos are saying. Stay tuned for more. Don Panchito, Send me what you want to say to: Info@MundoLatinoToday.com. It’s Your Voice. Use It. We still have the right to speak freely.
Los Algodones BC. Meet the Town Mayor: Dr. Herminia Berenice Marín Cota
Dr. Marín Cota is a distinguished dentist and public servant who became Town Mayor of Los Algodones in December 2024. With over 25 years of experience in dentistry, she runs LUX Dental Clinic, offering restorative, prosthodontic, and cosmetic procedures for local and international patients. Her family-oriented clinic, supported by her husband Dr. Alejandro Godoy, reflects the town’s reputation for excellence in dental tourism. As mayor, Dr. Marín Cota actively leads community initiatives and infrastructure projects, including paving streets to improve access for visitors and residents. Her dual expertise in healthcare and public service strengthens Los Algodones’ mission to provide exceptional services while fostering community growth and collaboration. A Hub for Dental and Medical Tourism With more than 800 dentists serving the region, Los Algodones offers significant cost savings compared to U.S. procedures, while maintaining professional standards. Visitors can receive implants, cosmetic procedures, and general dental care at a fraction of U.S. costs, attracting patients from across North America. Beyond healthcare, Los Algodones offers vibrant local culture, shopping, and gastronomy, making it a complete travel experience. From handcrafted souvenirs to traditional Mexican cuisine, the town combines tourism, culture, and world-class healthcare in one destination. A Bright Future Under the leadership of Dr. Marín Cota, Los Algodones continues to grow as a global dental tourism hub, welcoming visitors and providing world-class care in a friendly, community-focused environment. It’s no wonder this small town has earned the title “La Capital Dental Mundial.”
Los Algodones, Baja California: The Dental Capital of the World
Welcome to Los Algodones, Baja California — a hidden gem just steps away from the U.S.-Mexico border. Known worldwide as the Dental Capital of the World, this small yet vibrant town has become a top destination for travelers seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare and an authentic Mexican experience. A Town Built on Smiles The growing number of visitors to Los Algodones is no coincidence. With more than 800 dentists supported by skilled staff, the town offers world-class dental care at a fraction of U.S. prices. From check-ups and cleanings to implants and full restorations, patients receive professional, personalized attention using modern techniques and materials. Dentistry is such a cornerstone of the community that even the Town Mayor is a dentist — a true testament to the city’s dedication to oral health. As healthcare costs continue to rise in the United States, Los Algodones has become a beacon of relief for millions without dental insurance. Here, patients can save up to 70% compared to U.S. prices, without compromising on quality or safety. A Rich Past and a Bright Future The roots of Los Algodones stretch back centuries. Originally inhabited by the Quechan people, the area later became home to Spanish Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century, who established the Mission of Santa María de Los Ángeles. Through agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange, the town grew into a hub of community and resilience — surviving revolutions, rebuilding through hardship, and evolving into a modern center of tourism and care. Today, Los Algodones blends its historic charm with a forward-looking spirit, offering visitors not just medical value but also cultural warmth. Beyond Dentistry: A Complete Experience While dental and medical care draw thousands of visitors each year, Los Algodones offers much more than treatment rooms and clinics. Visitors can explore local shops, enjoy handcrafted art and jewelry, and indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine from street vendors and family-run restaurants. From tacos al pastor to fresh seafood, the flavors of Baja are part of what makes the Algodones experience unforgettable. For those who love culture and conversation, the town’s friendly locals and festive atmosphere create a welcoming space to relax and recover — whether after a dental appointment or simply a day of discovery. Medical and Dental Tourism Excellence Algodones’ reputation as a medical and dental tourism hub continues to grow. Its clinics feature state-of-the-art facilities, bilingual professionals, and a wide array of treatments — including dental implants, cosmetic procedures, and minor surgeries. Beyond affordability, patients value the personalized care, short wait times, and hospitality that define healthcare in Baja California. With modern infrastructure, convenient proximity to the U.S., and a thriving network of certified professionals, Los Algodones stands as a model for what accessible healthcare tourism can look like. Discover the Spirit of Los Algodones Whether you come for a new smile, a weekend escape, or a taste of Baja’s culture, Los Algodones welcomes you with open arms — and open hearts. Affordable, professional, and unforgettable, it’s no wonder travelers are calling it “the New Tijuana” — only smaller, friendlier, and focused on health and happiness. Welcome to Los Algodones — the world’s Dental Capital, and a border town where care, culture, and community come together.
Senator Ruben Gallego Demands Transparency on Potential Health Insurance Premium Hikes
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has issued an open letter to the state’s health insurance companies, urging them to immediately notify consumers about the possibility of significant premium increases if Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits expire at the end of this year. Gallego emphasized that insurance companies—covering more than 24 million Americans through the ACA marketplace—have a responsibility to provide timely notices about upcoming changes in premiums. Traditionally, these notices are sent out in early October, but this year there has been a disturbing delay, leaving many beneficiaries unaware of what may happen to their coverage in 2026. According to Gallego, around 13 million Americans, including 370,000 Arizonans, rely on ACA premium tax credits to make their health coverage affordable. If these credits are not extended, premiums could rise by an average of 75%, representing an increase of $780 annually per person and $842 for those in rural Arizona. Such hikes could force over 100,000 Arizonans—including 35,000 children—to lose their health insurance. “The situation is clear,” Gallego wrote. “If the tax credits are not extended, premiums will rise sharply, placing enormous financial strain on families. Insurers must take immediate action to educate their customers about what these increases mean, especially as open enrollment has already begun in many states.” Gallego also pointed out that insurers have no justification for delaying notifications. As of October 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz confirmed that rates for 2026 are locked, meaning the data needed to inform consumers is already available. “The delay in providing premium notices is a disservice to your members,” Gallego concluded. “Failing to extend ACA tax credits will lead to catastrophic premium increases, and consumers deserve to know what’s at stake.”
Víctimas de trata humana y violencia doméstica demandan a ICE
Coalición de organizaciones desafía el arresto, encarcelamiento y deportación de sobrevivientes de delitos Representantes legales de las víctimas hablaron en conferencia de prensa.Crédito: Jorge Macías | Impremedia Por Jorge Luis Macías La política de ICE que deporta a titulares de visas U, T y de la Ley de Violencia contra la Mujer (VAWA) fue impugnada a través de una demanda federal presentada por una coalición de organizaciones legales y sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y trata de personas. El desafío legal, titulado Immigration Center for Women and Children v. Noem (Centro de Inmigración para Mujeres y Niños vs. Noem), es encabezado por abogados del Centro de Derechos Humanos y Derecho Constitucional (CHRCL), Public Counsel, La Raza Centro Legal (LRCL) y la Coalición por los Derechos Humanos de los Inmigrantes (CHIRLA). La demanda colectiva fue presentada ante el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California, en nombre de inmigrantes sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica, trata de personas y otros delitos graves. En la querella se objeta “una política deshumanizante, injusta e ilegal” del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de Estados Unidos, emitida a principios de 2025, que por primera vez en décadas permite el encarcelamiento y la deportación generalizada de inmigrantes sobrevivientes de trata humana y violencia doméstica. “Esta política viola las mismas protecciones legales elaboradas por el Congreso y aprobadas con apoyo bipartidista, diseñadas para proteger a adultos y niños vulnerables de cualquier daño”, dijo Sergio Pérez, director ejecutivo del Centro de Derechos Humanos y Derecho Constitucional. Pérez criticó al gobierno federal por violar las protecciones legales y atacar a estas personas como parte de una campaña de deportación que calificó como xenófoba y racista. El abogado compartió una conexión personal con el tema y relató la experiencia de sus padres, quienes fueron víctimas de trata y estuvieron retenidos en contra de su voluntad en Estados Unidos. “Mis padres llegaron a este país como inmigrantes indocumentados siendo adolescentes”, declaró. “Uno de ellos fue traficado desde México y pagó para llegar aquí. Pero en lugar de encontrar una nueva vida, mi padre se encontró en un garaje oscuro, caluroso y lleno de gente en Van Nuys, California”. Allí permaneció un mes hasta que sus abuelos reunieron el dinero que pedían los captores para liberarlo. Cuando ocurrió el incidente, los inmigrantes sobrevivientes no contaban con las protecciones legales que la administración Trump ha violado. Desde 1994, la Ley de Violencia contra la Mujer (VAWA) ha sido reautorizada en múltiples ocasiones. Financia programas destinados a erradicar la violencia doméstica, la agresión sexual y el acoso, y ofrece protección legal a las víctimas. Entre sus disposiciones clave se incluye la posibilidad de que las víctimas soliciten por sí mismas su estatus migratorio legal mediante la obtención de la visa U, además de protección en programas federales de vivienda. Estados Unidos dispone de 10,000 visas U anualmente, aunque el proceso de espera para obtener una puede durar hasta 18 años. Mientras tanto, la Ley de Protección de Víctimas de la Trata de Personas (TVPA) de 2000 y sus reautorizaciones crearon un marco integral para la prevención, el enjuiciamiento y la protección de las víctimas. Estas leyes federales también mejoran la protección de las víctimas infantiles y ofrecen ayudas migratorias como visas T para las víctimas. Si bien la visa T tiene un límite de 5,000 al año, el número anual de visas emitidas ha sido significativamente menor, con un promedio de entre 1,500 y 2,000 en los últimos años. En el año fiscal 2024, se registró un número récord de aprobaciones, alcanzando 2,660 solo en el tercer trimestre. La demanda en Los Ángeles involucra a varios abogados e incluye testimonios de sobrevivientes, quienes no pudieron acudir a la rueda de prensa por motivos de seguridad. Dos prácticas ilegales El reclamo legal también impugna dos prácticas ilegales y continuas que la política de 2025 puso en marcha con un impacto devastador: ICE encarcela y deporta rutinariamente a inmigrantes sobrevivientes a quienes se les ha otorgado formalmente el derecho a permanecer en Estados Unidos. Además, ICE deporta regularmente a sobrevivientes de trata y otros delitos graves sin realizar la revisión legal requerida para determinar si son elegibles para las protecciones que el Congreso creó específicamente para resguardarlos de la deportación. Dichas prácticas ilegales del gobierno están perjudicando a sobrevivientes vulnerables como Yessenia Ruano, quien llegó desde El Salvador a Estados Unidos en busca de seguridad en 2011. La abogada Erika Cervantes, del Centro de Derechos Humanos y Constitucionales, habló en nombre de Yessenia y explicó que, cumpliendo con la ley, solicitó una visa T, que protege a sobrevivientes de delitos relacionados con la trata de personas. Pero en lugar de recibir protección, fue maltratada y obligada a regresar a su país de origen con sus hijos, ciudadanos estadounidenses. “En el primer registro, los agentes me dijeron que me deportarían. Dijeron que, si no iba por mi cuenta, me buscarían y me encontrarían, y que me separarían de mis hijas, me detendrían y me deportarían… Estaba angustiada, porque tampoco podía soportar que me separaran de mis hijas y me encarcelaran”,fue la declaración leída de Yessenia. La abogada Cervantes agradeció el valor de los denunciantes y a los grupos legales por impulsar el litigio y denunciar el acoso sistemático a los inmigrantes. “Imaginen ser una inmigrante que ha tenido que sobrevivir al abuso sexual, la violencia doméstica o la servidumbre. Imaginen eso, y luego encuentren el coraje para salir de las sombras y denunciar su trauma, porque el gobierno las alentó a hacerlo al prometerles protección contra arrestos, detenciones y deportaciones”, declaró. Enfatizó que este año el gobierno federal ha vuelto a incumplir su promesa de proteger a los inmigrantes sobrevivientes de delitos y trata. “El continuo ataque de esta administración contra nuestras comunidades inmigrantes da luz verde al encarcelamiento masivo y la expulsión de inmigrantes sobrevivientes, sin respetar el debido proceso, su trauma ni sus conexiones con este país”, subrayó. “Este es un ataque frontal a los derechos humanos”. Temor
Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui Launches Campaign for Nevada Lieutenant Governor
Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui has officially launched her campaign for Nevada Lieutenant Governor, promising to bring a new direction to the Silver State and fight for working families. “I’m proud of the incredible support we’ve received since launching this campaign—from Nevadans across the state to leaders at every level,” Jauregui said. “People are tired of Stavros Anthony’s indifference and are ready for a leader who will fight for Nevada families. This campaign is about creating opportunity, restoring hope, and helping every Nevadan achieve the American Dream.” On the first day of her campaign, Jauregui secured major endorsements from U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, Attorney General Aaron Ford, and Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis, who chairs the Democratic Lieutenant Governors’ Association. Over more than a decade of public service, Sandra Jauregui has focused on good-paying jobs, stronger schools, affordable housing, and safer communities. She helped pass a historic $2.6 billion investment in Nevada’s education system, including $250 million for teacher salaries, and championed legislation to cap insulin prices and lower healthcare costs. A survivor of the October 1 mass shooting, she led efforts to ban bump stocks, establish red flag laws, and give police the tools to prevent gun violence. Daughter of hardworking immigrant parents, Jauregui began her career helping Nevadans during the Great Recession and later entered public service to fight for families struggling with rising costs and lost jobs. Now, she says she’s ready to “roll up her sleeves” and lead the fight to make Nevada a better, safer, and more affordable place for everyone. Watch her campaign launch video online at SandraForNevada.com.
Conservatives launch multimillion-dollar campaign to reach Latino voters, ABC News reports
ABC News reports that The LIBRE Initiative, a nonprofit partly funded by the Koch family’s conservative political network, has launched a nationwide multimillion-dollar campaign aimed at Latino voters ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The project, called “One Small Step,” is being carried out with Americans for Prosperity, another Koch-affiliated group, and seeks to connect Latinos with the country’s “founding principles,” according to Daniel Garza, LIBRE’s executive director. Garza told ABC News the goal is to help Latinos see themselves in the nation’s history and embrace free-market and limited-government values. The multi-year campaign will include community events, civics classes, and paid media on TV and YouTube, organized through LIBRE’s state chapters. For decades, conservative groups like LIBRE have sought to attract Latino voters to Republican causes, especially around elections. In 2024, Donald Trump won 48% of the Hispanic vote, nearly matching Vice President Kamala Harris — a 12-point improvement over his 2020 results. However, ABC News notes that recent polls show low approval ratings for Trump among Latino voters, particularly on immigration and deportation policies. A New York Times poll found that 75% of Hispanic voters disapprove of his handling of immigration. Still, Republican strategists hope this campaign will strengthen ties with Latino communities and build long-term political influence across the country.