Mexico's Sheinbaum demands explanations after US Embassy officials die in Chihuahua
ABC7 Chicago • • nation
Key Points:
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum demanded explanations after four U.S. and Mexican officials died in an accident during a joint operation to destroy clandestine drug labs in Chihuahua, stating she was unaware of U.S.-local government collaboration in the operation.
- The U.S. Embassy confirmed the officials were supporting Chihuahua state authorities in combating cartel operations but did not disclose their identities or specific government affiliations.
- Sheinbaum emphasized that the security cabinet was not informed about the operation, which was authorized solely by the Chihuahua state government, and insisted that any such collaboration requires federal approval under the Constitution.
- The incident occurs amid heightened U.S. pressure on Mexico to crack down on cartels, with ongoing debates about the presence of U.S. officials on Mexican soil and recent controversies over binational security operations.
- Sheinbaum plans to facilitate a meeting between U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson and Mexico's foreign minister to discuss the incident, coinciding with critical U.S.-Mexico trade negotiations and new U.S. visa restrictions targeting cartel family members.
