Mexican President Defends Governors Amid Visa Controversy

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum quickly came to the aid of two members of her party after reports surfaced suggesting their visas had been revoked due to a U.S. investigation into drug cartels. This situation has ignited fresh controversy, with both governors denying any wrongdoing.

During a morning news conference, Sheinbaum expressed her discontent over leaked information that pointed to Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo and Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal being investigated for alleged connections to drug cartels.

“What’s the intention behind canceling their visas and making that public?” Sheinbaum questioned, attributing blame to far-right factions targeting the government. “Let’s spread fear… this is about scaring the Mexican people—threatening them by saying their visas might be taken away.”

New details emerged, indicating that both governors claimed their visas had, in fact, been revoked, but they maintained their documents, suggesting they hadn’t tried to enter the U.S. Politicians speculated that, should it be necessary, they could enter the U.S. under parole. This has led to conjecture in Mexico that they might cooperate with U.S. authorities.

Villarreal addressed the claims in a video, firmly stating that his visa remains valid.

This controversy involving Durazo and Villarreal arises as Sheinbaum deals with another issue following the U.S. Department of Justice’s criminal charges against Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya and nine of his associates, two of whom have already surrendered to authorities.

As reported by Breitbart Texas, Sheinbaum has defended Rocha Moya, stating there is no proof of illegal activity, further straining relations between Mexico and the U.S.

The three governors mentioned in the various reports are known to be close allies of Sheinbaum and are also linked to her mentor, former Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador, who founded the Morena party.