• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum threatens legal action against SpaceX over rocket debris.
• The June 19 explosion raised concerns about environmental contamination in Tamaulipas.
• SpaceX claims no hazards exist, while Mexico investigates potential violations of international laws.

In a significant clash with SpaceX, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced plans for legal action against the company over concerns of rocket debris and environmental contamination following an incident involving a SpaceX Starship rocket that exploded during testing near Boca Chica, Texas, on June 19. Sheinbaum's statement highlights the aftermath of the explosion, which sent debris into Mexican territory, raising alarms about contamination affecting the state of Tamaulipas. She confirmed that her administration is assessing potential violations of international environmental laws due to the incident, stating, “There is indeed contamination” as she reviewed the situation in Mexico, according to Indiatimes and TRT Global.

Sheinbaum emphasized that the investigation into the environmental impacts from the SpaceX explosion is comprehensive, stating, “We are not just reviewing this for the sake of reviewing.” The examination will consider the ramifications of increased rocket launches near the U.S.-Mexico border, with authorities ensuring that internationally required distances are maintained from populated areas. The review includes assessing air and soil pollution, threats to wildlife, and fallout from rocket debris, as reported by Al Jazeera and Indiatimes.

The incident has drawn heightened scrutiny as it marks not only legal action but reflects broader tensions involving U.S. tech companies and the Mexican government. Previously, Sheinbaum's administration sued Google for altering geographic references on its maps. The case raises essential questions about sovereignty and environmental oversight amid growing operations by international firms in the region, which the government of Mexico is keen to regulate, according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.

In response to the claims of contamination and environmental risks, SpaceX asserts that earlier studies indicate no significant health hazards from the rocket debris, insisting that previous independent tests confirmed the materials used in Starship do not pose chemical or toxicological risks. The company has contended that its attempts to recover debris have been obstructed by "unauthorized parties" and has requested assistance from the Mexican government for cleanup efforts. This statement is designed to reinforce their position amidst accusations from the Mexican administration, as mentioned in reports from Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.