Mexico seeks answers from U.S. over agents in Chihuahua operation

President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that Mexico sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. Embassy requesting an explanation about the unauthorized participation of U.S. agents in field operations on Mexican territory.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum said Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson seeking information about the incident.

According to the letter, the actions were not part of the “agreed security protocol” or the current bilateral understanding between the two countries and raised concerns related to national sovereignty.

“We do not accept field participation by any foreign agents in operations. We have made that very clear to the United States government,” Sheinbaum said, adding that there are “other forms of collaboration and cooperation.”

Sheinbaum clarified that Mexico’s Defense Ministry participated in the anti-drug operation in Chihuahua, but was not informed about the involvement of U.S. agents.

The controversy emerged after two U.S. CIA officials and two local investigators were killed in a vehicle accident after an operation targeting clandestine drug laboratories.

The president said neither the Foreign Relations Ministry, the Defense Ministry nor Mexico’s Security Ministry had been notified of the presence of the U.S. agents, which she described as a violation of Mexico’s National Security Law.

“This is something that should not be minimized for all Mexicans,” Sheinbaum said. “Any relationship with the United States government on any matter, particularly security matters, must necessarily go through the federal government.”

Sheinbaum said former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador amended the law to require foreign agents to obtain authorization from federal authorities before operating in Mexico.

She added that the issue involves national security and sovereignty concerns.

Responding to a report by The Washington Post that framed the episode as part of President Donald Trump’s anti-drug offensive in Mexico, Sheinbaum rejected that characterization.

She said Trump had suggested in direct calls that the United States increase its presence in Mexico, including a possible military role, but said she consistently rejected the idea.

“It is not necessary, President Trump,” she said.

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