Hugo Aguilar becomes first indigenous president of Mexico's Supreme Court

Hugo Aguilar has become the first indigenous person to preside over the Supreme Court of Mexico in 168 years. A 53-year-old jurist from the Mixtec village of San Agustin Tlacotepec in Oaxaca, Aguilar secured his position through Mexico's first judicial elections, making the country the only one to elect judges via universal suffrage.

Aguilar attributes his appointment to the controversial judicial reforms initiated by the country's left-wing government. He has faced criticism from opponents who claim he is a political pawn for the administrations of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and current President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Aguilar has reported experiencing racism, stating that attacks against him target his appearance—specifically his traditional clothing, footwear, and hairstyle—rather than his judicial performance. He noted that critics use his indigenous identity to question his professional competence and aptitude.