On Thursday, during the Senate debate over a new judicial reform, the PAN parliamentary group, led by coordinator Ricardo Anaya, staged a provocative gesture by bringing shirts emblazoned with “#Yo con Rocha” (“I’m with Rocha”) to the plenary session.

The challenge was clear: PAN senators urged their Morena counterparts to wear these shirts to publicly show support for Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor on leave from Sinaloa. This move came amid ongoing political tensions and questions about how different parties back their governors in the fight against organized crime.

Ricardo Anaya took the floor wearing a black shirt that read “#Yo con Maru,” signaling support for the PAN-led government of Chihuahua under Maru Campos, which he praised for its firm stance against criminal groups. To emphasize the point, PAN also displayed a rack with multiple maroon shirts labeled “Narcomorena #Yo con Rocha,” a pointed jab at Morena’s alleged ties to organized crime.

Anaya’s message was direct: “We are proud of a PAN government that does not negotiate with organized crime, that dismantles drug labs. The question is whether Morena senators will show the same support for Rocha Moya by putting on the ‘I’m with Rocha’ shirt.” He invited Morena senators to come forward and wear the shirts, offering various sizes.

However, no Morena senator accepted the challenge. Instead, Morena’s Gerardo Fernández Noroña interrupted with a point of order, arguing that the issue was unrelated to the constitutional reform under discussion and accusing PAN of disrespecting the majority group with baseless accusations.

The PAN group responded by chanting in unison, “Put it on! Put it on! Put it on!” heightening the tension in the chamber.

This episode highlights the ongoing political polarization in Mexico’s Senate, where symbolic acts and public challenges are used to question opponents’ stances on security and governance. For migrants and Mexican citizens alike, it underscores how political battles over crime and reform continue to shape the country’s future.