Reported US CIA agents killed in crash not authorised to operate: Mexico | Crime News
Mexican Government Investigates US Agents’ Presence After Fatal Car Crash
Published April 25, 2026
The Mexican government stated that two United States federal agents killed in a car crash linked to an anti-narcotics operation were not authorized to conduct activities within Mexico. The incident, occurring in the northern state of Chihuahua last Sunday, has raised concerns regarding US operations on Mexican territory.
According to Mexico’s security cabinet, one of the deceased agents entered the country as a visitor while the other held a diplomatic passport. The Mexican authorities emphasized that neither agent had formal accreditation to engage in operational activities inside the nation. The statement called for “absolute respect” for Mexico’s sovereignty in matters of international cooperation.
US officials have yet to confirm reports that the individuals were operatives with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) involved in a broader initiative against drug trafficking. President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated earlier this week that her administration would investigate whether the national security law had been violated, which stipulates that foreign agents must secure federal authorization before operating in Mexico.
“Evidently, the military didn’t know there were participants who weren’t Mexican citizens,” Sheinbaum commented, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The car crash also resulted in the deaths of two Mexican officials, intensifying scrutiny over the extent of US involvement in domestic operations and whether the Mexican government was fully informed. Following the incident, US Ambassador Ronald Johnson referred to the deceased as “embassy personnel,” while the attorney general of Chihuahua described them as “instructor officers” conducting regular training.
Johnson asserted that the incident “strengthens our resolve to continue their mission and advance our shared commitment to security and justice.”
The Trump administration has adopted a militaristic approach toward Latin America, categorizing drug traffickers as “narco-terrorists.” This designation has led to increased military actions and operations beyond traditional intelligence-gathering roles.
President Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any suggestion of US military presence in Mexico but expressed a willingness to coordinate through intelligence sharing, institutional collaboration, and technical support, emphasizing the need for cooperation based on mutual trust.
