Marx Arriaga, the former Director General of Educational Materials at the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico, has been holed up in his office for 48 hours, following an eviction attempt by authorities. This standoff began after legal proceedings initiated by the SEP’s Legal Affairs Unit and the Internal Control Body sought to remove him from the premises. However, Arriaga refused to leave, claiming support from educators and announcing his intention to resist eviction.

In the wake of the legal actions against him, Arriaga called for a press conference where he vowed to spearhead a 'resistance' movement. Over the weekend, he has been active on social media, framing his actions as a 'Protest with Proposal.' He has engaged in conversations throughout the day with teachers about the 'Nueva Escuela Mexicana' (New Mexican School) and the free textbooks, topics for which he was chiefly responsible during his tenure. His efforts aim to rally support and dialogue around his educational initiatives, despite growing fatigue from his prolonged standoff.

As the situation continues, both the legal framework surrounding his position and the broader educational policies in Mexico are under scrutiny. Arriaga's determination to remain in his office not only indicates his personal stakes but also reflects the contentious debates within the Mexican educational system and the support he claims from educators. This event raises questions about the future of educational reform in Mexico and the role of public officials in advocating for their policies amidst significant opposition.