Two years ago, the Mexican government began illegally invading and taking over a Mexican deep-water port operated by Alabama-based Vulcan Materials.

Mexican President Lopez Obrador used military force to seize private land near the popular resort town of Playa del Carmen in May 2022. Since the seizure, the Mexican government has been trying to force Balkan to sell the 6,000 acres of land for approximately $385 million, even though it is valued at nearly $2 billion.

Vulcan, a Birmingham-based company, began operating in Mexico in the 1980s and has always complied with Mexican laws. Vulcan has made a significant economic contribution to the region by providing numerous jobs.

In addition, the company plays a vital role in the manufacture of materials for infrastructure projects in the United States, and disruption of its production could have a devastating impact on development. Since this illegal act, North American economic relations and free trade agreements have been adversely affected.

“Despite having a legal presence in the region, Vulcan continues to receive threats and harassment from Mexico and President Lopez Obrador. Seizing Vulcan's assets will only damage U.S.-Mexico relations. President Lopez Obrador's actions have proven that Mexico cannot be trusted.”

The rule of law has completely collapsed, and my colleagues and I are doing everything in our power to support U.S.-owned businesses operating overseas and to make sure Mexico understands we will not tolerate their lawless behavior. Our free trade agreements and diplomatic relations have been sabotaged, and we have no choice but to retaliate.

There is no time to damage our economic relationship when we should be focusing on building our capabilities so that we are not reliant on China for our supply lines. There will be consequences for Mexico's illegal actions, and Mexico will not benefit from this seizure. I urge President Biden to take immediate action to hold Mexico accountable for undermining the rule of law and disrupting our vital economic partnership in North America. I continue to work with my colleagues in the Alabama delegation in both the House and Senate to send a clear message to Mexico about the consequences for its actions.. Together with other members of Congress, I have written to Mexico's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena, calling for a lawful redress of Mexico's actions against Balkan.

Make no mistake: Mexico will not benefit from this. We will always defend American businesses and American people around the world.

Jerry Carl represents Alabama's 1st Congressional District and resides in Mobile with his wife, Tina.