Mexico Says US Agents in Fatal Crash Were Not Authorized
Two US agents died in a car crash last weekend. Mexico says they were not authorized to operate in the country. The officials reportedly worked for the CIA.
A Deadly Crash
They had taken part in a raid on suspected drug labs. The raid happened in the northern state of Chihuahua. After the raid, their vehicle skidded off a mountain road. It then exploded.
No Formal Accreditation
President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered an investigation. Mexico’s security ministry released its findings. “Neither had formal accreditation to participate in operational activities,” the ministry said. Federal authorities had not been informed of their presence. The incident comes amid fraught relations between Mexico and the US. Counter-narcotics is a key issue.
Sheinbaum’s Firm Stance
Sheinbaum has faced pressure from President Trump. He wants Mexico to crack down on drug trafficking. However, she has repeatedly declined offers of US-led counter-narcotics operations. She insists foreign officials need prior clearance. Mexican sovereignty should not be breached.Immigration records show one agent entered as a “visitor”. The other travelled on a diplomatic passport. Mexican law prohibits foreign agents from taking part in operations without federal approval.
