The Mexican government has stated that two U.S. federal agents who died in a car crash during an anti-narcotics raid—widely reported as CIA operatives—were not permitted to carry out operations on Mexican soil.
In a statement released on Saturday, Mexico's security cabinet revealed that one of the individuals entered the country as a visitor, while the other held a diplomatic passport. Neither had formal accreditation to engage in operational activities within Mexico, the statement emphasized, calling for "absolute respect" for Mexican sovereignty in international cooperation.
U.S. authorities have not officially confirmed that the deceased were CIA agents, despite widespread reports. The incident occurred last Sunday in the northern state of Chihuahua, linked to a drug raid.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has navigated U.S. demands for aggressive anti-drug measures while asserting national sovereignty, announced an investigation into potential violations of Mexico's national security law. That law requires foreign agents to obtain federal authorization and prohibits direct collaboration with local officials without approval.
"Evidently, the military didn't know there were people participating who weren't Mexican citizens... that there were foreigners participating in the operation," Sheinbaum told reporters. "This is something that Mexicans shouldn't take lightly."
U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson described the two as "embassy personnel," while Chihuahua's attorney general referred to them as "instructor officers" conducting routine training. In a statement, Johnson said the incident "strengthens our resolve to continue their mission and advance our shared commitment to security and justice."
Two Mexican officials also died in the crash, raising questions about the extent of U.S. involvement on Mexican soil. The Trump administration has taken a militaristic stance against drug trafficking, designating criminal groups as "foreign terrorist organizations."
Mexico's security cabinet reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with the U.S. through intelligence sharing and technical collaboration, but stressed that such efforts must be grounded in mutual trust.