The Mexican Ministry of Culture has demanded the immediate suspension of an auction in Colorado, where 80 artifacts of Mexican origin are up for sale. Organized by Artemis Fine Arts and set to begin today, the auction is raising eyebrows among heritage experts.

“Our heritage is not an object of profit,” said Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel de Icaza, emphasizing that protecting Mexico’s cultural legacy is a non-negotiable commitment.

Mexico views these artifacts as stolen property, given their prohibition from export since 1827. In contrast, American dealers like Bob and Teresa Dodge argue for the legality of transactions under international law.

The Mexican government has been actively recovering cultural items through diplomatic means and legal challenges since 2018, with an impressive 16,500 artifacts recovered so far. However, Artemis Fine Arts has faced scrutiny before: in 2024 and 2025, the Dodges staunchly defended their auctions.

The controversy highlights a broader debate about what constitutes cultural ownership and the ethics of selling historical artifacts.