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Mexico launches inquiry after fatal crash involving US personnel
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered a federal investigation into the deaths of two US officials who perished in a car accident during a counter-narcotics mission in Chihuahua state. The incident has raised questions about unauthorized joint operations on Mexican soil.
Circumstances of the crash
The two Americans, identified as embassy personnel, died alongside two Mexican agents from the Chihuahua State Investigation Agency (AEI) on Sunday morning. Their vehicle veered off a road and plunged into a ravine, where it burst into flames, according to state authorities.
Chihuahua Attorney-General César Jáuregui stated the group was returning from an operation targeting clandestine drug labs producing synthetic substances. The officials had reportedly traveled eight to nine hours to reach the site.
Federal oversight questioned
Sheinbaum confirmed neither she nor her national security team were informed of any joint US-Mexico operations in Chihuahua. She emphasized that foreign officials must receive federal clearance before conducting activities in Mexico, citing sovereignty concerns.
"We did not have knowledge of any direct work between Chihuahua state and personnel from the US embassy. We need to understand the circumstances and assess the legal implications."
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexican President
The president's office has requested details from both the US embassy and Chihuahua authorities to determine whether the operation violated national security laws prohibiting unapproved joint missions.
US involvement and intelligence ties
US Ambassador Ronald Johnson described the deceased Americans as embassy staff, while Chihuahua officials initially characterized them as "instructor officers" providing training. However, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the two worked for the CIA, reflecting the agency's expanded role in combating drug trafficking across the Western Hemisphere.
The CIA has not commented on the report. Previous investigations by Reuters revealed the agency has conducted covert operations in Mexico for years, collaborating with specialized military units to track high-profile drug traffickers. These efforts included training, equipment, and financial support for Mexican forces, with federal approval.
Broader diplomatic tensions
Sheinbaum's stance on sovereignty has clashed with pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has urged Mexico to intensify efforts to curb drug trafficking. Despite intelligence-sharing agreements, the Mexican government maintains that no joint ground or aerial operations occur without explicit federal consent.
Two CIA-vetted military units remain active in Mexico, including one involved in the 2023 capture of Ovidio Guzmán-López, Reuters reported, citing unnamed officials.
