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Mexico states deceased US agents operated without authorization
Two American intelligence officers who died in a vehicle accident in northern Mexico last weekend were not approved to conduct field operations, Mexico's security ministry announced on Saturday. The incident has heightened tensions over cross-border security cooperation.
Investigation reveals lack of formal accreditation
President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered an inquiry after the crash, which occurred on April 19 when the agents' vehicle left a mountain road and exploded in Chihuahua state. The security ministry confirmed neither agent held the required federal clearance to participate in operational activities on Mexican soil.
Immigration records showed one entered as a "visitor," while the other traveled on a diplomatic passport. Mexican law bars foreign agents from engaging in operations without prior federal approval.
Circumstances of the crash and prior activities
The agents, reportedly CIA operatives, had joined a raid targeting suspected methamphetamine labs in a remote mountainous area before the accident. Two members of Chihuahua's State Investigation Agency also died in the crash, officials said.
Chihuahua State Attorney General César Jáuregui described the Americans as "instructor officers" from the US embassy involved in training as part of routine bilateral exchanges. However, President Sheinbaum clarified last week that while intelligence-sharing continues, "there are no joint operations on land or in the air."
Broader context of US-Mexico security relations
The incident underscores ongoing friction between the two nations over counter-narcotics efforts. US President Donald Trump has pressed Sheinbaum to intensify anti-drug operations, even proposing US-led missions in Mexico-a suggestion she has consistently rejected.
Sheinbaum has emphasized Mexico's sovereignty, insisting foreign officials secure prior federal approval before operating within the country. Despite this stance, Reuters reported last September that the CIA has conducted covert operations in Mexico for years with the government's consent, including training and equipping select Mexican units.
Political pressure and recent crackdowns
Sheinbaum's administration has ramped up anti-trafficking measures to address Trump's demands, while resisting direct US military involvement. The president has also faced criticism from Washington over undocumented migration, further straining bilateral ties.
"We collaborate on security, but we will not permit foreign forces to operate unilaterally in our territory,"
President Claudia Sheinbaum
Next steps
Mexican authorities continue to investigate the crash, while US officials have not publicly named the deceased agents or provided further details about their mission.
