Mexico asks US for explanations for the participation of agents in an anti-drug operation

Mexico City.- Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, reported that her Government sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. to demand explanations for the participation of U.S. agents in an anti-drug operation in the state of Chihuahua, where two officials from that country and two Mexicans died, in a case that could imply a violation of national sovereignty. "This has to be clarified. The Foreign Relations office sent a letter to the U.S. ambassador so that he could provide all the information," Sheinbaum stated in a press conference, pointing out that a message has been sent to the U.S. ambassador, Ronald Johnson, to explain what happened.

Why is there controversy over a drug raid in Mexico?

The controversy erupted after the US Embassy confirmed the death of two US officials and two Chihuahua investigators in a road accident in the mountains, following actions against clandestine laboratories in that northern Mexican state bordering the US.

Sheinbaum detailed that the letter indicates that this fact "is not part of the security protocol that we have agreed upon (with the U.S.) and the understanding that we have with them." "It's a matter of national security and sovereignty, that's why what happened is not insignificant," he insisted. The president insisted that federal authorities were unaware of the participation of two foreign agents in field work, which may constitute a violation of national security. We recommend reading: Furthermore, he emphasized that no state government can establish security collaborations with foreign authorities outside of federal channels, and warned that the actions of agents from other countries within national territory are regulated by the Constitution and the National Security Law. "It has to be clear to both the United States and state governments that collaboration must take place within the framework of understanding and the law," said Sheinbaum.

U.S. calls for empathy

Error en el proceso de traducción

Error en el proceso de traducción The White House spokeswoman defended that Trump is working to "stop the scourge of drug trafficking that passes through Mexico to the United States." "We have seen some cooperation from President Sheinbaum. I think the president always wants to see more cooperation, when what we are doing not only benefits the American people, but also her people," Leavitt underlined. Initially, the Chihuahua state prosecutor declared that the agents were returning from the operation, but later clarified that the Americans did not directly participate in the securing of the laboratory used by drug traffickers and were carrying out training tasks. The controversy grew when The Washington Post reported that the two Americans allegedly belonged to the CIA and had supported with intelligence an operation against drug trafficking, in a context of increased pressure from Washington on Mexico in terms of security and political sensitivity due to national sovereignty.