Mexico says unaware of CIA agents in anti-drug operation

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that the federal government was unaware of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agents taking part in an anti-narcotics operation in northern Mexico to dismantle a clandestine drug lab.

The presence of US agents in an operation against organised crime in Chihuahua, a state bordering Texas, "is something that should not be taken lightly," as it is a matter of national security and sovereignty, said the President on Wednesday (local time).

"We are verifying whether they were accredited or not," she said at Wednesday's morning press conference regarding this case that came to light after the two American agents lost their lives in an accident in the Chihuahua mountains while dismantling drug labs.

Sheinbaum emphasised that, given this potential violation of national laws, the Foreign Ministry sent a letter to the US Ambassador to Mexico requesting all relevant information and that such actions are not part of established security protocols.

"Any relationship with the US government, particularly on security matters, must go through the federal government," she said, adding there had been "no knowledge" of the agents' participation. She also stressed that no US government agents should operate in Mexico without authorisation.

According to US media, the agents' presence in Mexico only came to light after they were killed in a car accident in Chihuahua on Sunday.

Earlier in January, the Mexican President also rejected the possibility of US intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels, stressing the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and strengthening the country's unity.

She had dismissed the need for talks with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested sending US troops to Mexico to combat drug trafficking.

Any security cooperation must be based on mutual respect, national sovereignty, and collaboration without subordination, she stressed.