Mexico's Profepa seizes wildlife, orders toxic spill cleanup

Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) carried out a series of enforcement actions across the country. In Coahuila, agents seized 17 exotic animals – including yellow‑headed orioles, a dromedary, llamas, an ostrich and iguanas – after finding the facility operating without the required permits. In Guerrero, Profepa recovered 202 recently laid eggs of the olive ridley sea turtle, which were taken from a natural nest and placed in incubation at the Ritz Acapulco Turtle Camp.

Separately, Profepa completed sampling for heavy metals in the Sonora River basin and announced that remediation work will begin soon to address soil contamination. The agency also ordered remediation and a fine for Ferromex after a toxic spill in Naco, Sonora, citing the need for site characterization, a remediation plan approved by SEMARNAT, and measures to prevent recurrence. Mariana Boy Tamborrell, Profepa’s head, emphasized the agency’s role in protecting wildlife, public health, and the environment.

These actions illustrate Profepa’s broader crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, environmental contamination, and industrial accidents in Mexico.