Mexican president urges US that covert operations in Mexico not be repeated

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed Monday that covert US operations in Mexico must not be repeated, saying the two agents who participated in security tasks before their deaths should be considered an exception.

Since April 19, when it was revealed that US agents had been operating on Mexican territory in security roles without government authorization, which is a direct violation of the law, tensions between Mexico and the US have increased, as Mexico has said the activity represents an affront to its sovereignty.

“We hope this matter is clarified and that we continue collaborating and coordinating. We have no desire to enter into a conflict with the United States, but we must be very clear, make all of this public, and state that this is an exceptional case and not the rule,” Sheinbaum said during her press conference.

The two Americans who died in a car accident alongside security agents from the state of Chihuahua were confirmed to be agents of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Neither had the documentation or authorization required by law to carry out security activities in Mexico.

The incident not only triggered a diplomatic setback with the US, but also internal political tensions, with the ruling party Morena accused by the opposition of failing to confront drug cartels and of pressuring Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos, a member of the National Action Party (PAN).

Political leaders have condemned Sheinbaum’s handling of the situation, criticizing Chihuahua authorities for allowing CIA agents to operate without federal authorization.

Campos has said her government was not aware the two US citizens were intelligence operatives and has pledged a full investigation to determine responsibility.

Sheinbaum said she does not seek to damage relations with the US and wants to maintain a framework of joint cooperation, but without operations involving foreign agents who do not comply with Mexican law.

“So we must keep working, but not with agents or US officials who do not follow Mexican procedures. Sovereignty is defended; sovereignty is not negotiable,” Sheinbaum added.