The Mexican government has stated that the two US agents who died in a car crash last weekend were not authorized to operate in the country. These officials, reportedly working for the CIA, were involved in a raid on suspected drug labs in Chihuahua before their vehicle skidded off a mountain road and exploded. Following a probe ordered by President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's security ministry announced that 'neither had formal accreditation to participate in operational activities' and that federal authorities were not informed of their presence.
This tragic event occurs amid at-times fraught relations between Mexico and the US on various matters, including counter-narcotics. President Sheinbaum faces increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to address drug trafficking but has consistently rejected US-led operations in her country, emphasizing that foreign officials must secure prior clearance to operate.
Recent immigration records show one of the agents entered Mexico as a visitor while the other possessed a diplomatic passport. The Mexican security ministry clarified that both agents lacked the necessary authorization for operational involvement in the country, adhering to national law prohibiting such activities without federal consent.
The crash transpired on April 19, during a return journey from targeting methamphetamine labs in a remote mountainous area. Additionally, two members of the Chihuahua State Investigation Agency lost their lives in the incident. Although the US officials were labeled 'instructor officers' from the embassy, engaging in training within the context of bilateral exchanges, Sheinbaum reiterated that intelligence-sharing does not equate to joint operational activities.
Historically, the CIA has conducted covert operations in Mexico to track drug traffickers, with approval from the Mexican government for certain activities. However, Sheinbaum remains firm in her stance against foreign military presence in Mexico while collaborating with the US over security issues, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges posed by drug trafficking dynamics across the border.
This tragic event occurs amid at-times fraught relations between Mexico and the US on various matters, including counter-narcotics. President Sheinbaum faces increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to address drug trafficking but has consistently rejected US-led operations in her country, emphasizing that foreign officials must secure prior clearance to operate.
Recent immigration records show one of the agents entered Mexico as a visitor while the other possessed a diplomatic passport. The Mexican security ministry clarified that both agents lacked the necessary authorization for operational involvement in the country, adhering to national law prohibiting such activities without federal consent.
The crash transpired on April 19, during a return journey from targeting methamphetamine labs in a remote mountainous area. Additionally, two members of the Chihuahua State Investigation Agency lost their lives in the incident. Although the US officials were labeled 'instructor officers' from the embassy, engaging in training within the context of bilateral exchanges, Sheinbaum reiterated that intelligence-sharing does not equate to joint operational activities.
Historically, the CIA has conducted covert operations in Mexico to track drug traffickers, with approval from the Mexican government for certain activities. However, Sheinbaum remains firm in her stance against foreign military presence in Mexico while collaborating with the US over security issues, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges posed by drug trafficking dynamics across the border.
