In a bold and unexpected move, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has announced plans to formally request that Google label certain regions in the United States as “Mexican America” on its maps. She made this statement on February 14, 2025, during a conference originally centered on Mexico’s state-run oil company, PEMEX, and its long-term plans from 2025 to 2030. While the primary agenda focused on the energy sector, Sheinbaum seized the moment to highlight cultural and historical ties between Mexico and the United States.

Sheinbaum’s reasoning behind this initiative is rooted in recognizing the deep historical and cultural presence of Mexican communities in various parts of the U.S. “The presence of Mexican communities in the United States is undeniable, and their contributions to society, history, and culture deserve proper recognition,” she stated. “Requesting that ‘Mexican America’ be displayed on maps is just one way to reflect this reality.”

The term “Mexican America” has been used informally for years to describe heavily Mexican-influenced regions in cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Chicago. However, having it officially displayed on a widely used mapping platform like Google Maps would mark a significant step in cultural acknowledgment. Sheinbaum’s proposal aligns with her broader vision of asserting Mexico’s influence beyond its borders and reinforcing a sense of national identity among Mexicans living abroad.

Beyond cultural recognition, the event also saw another major development: the introduction of Terrence Cole as the new head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). His presence at the conference underscored ongoing collaboration between the two nations on security issues, highlighting a potentially evolving dynamic between the U.S. and Mexico.

While Sheinbaum’s request to Google may be largely symbolic, it has already sparked discussion in both countries. Some view her move as an effort to honor the historical significance of Mexican communities in the U.S., while others see it as a strategic political gesture.

It remains uncertain how Google will respond. If the tech company does adopt the labeling change, it could pave the way for other digital platforms to reconsider how cultural and historical influences are represented on their maps. Either way, Sheinbaum’s statement demonstrates Mexico’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its cultural presence on an international scale.