On April 19, two foreigners and two Mexicans died in a traffic accident in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The news, which could have been just another item on the long list of traffic accidents, took a turn when it was discovered that both individuals were members of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The situation worsened further when, at the request of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, it was reported that the presence and activities of both agents had not been reported to Mexican federal authorities, “neither had formal accreditation to participate in operational activities.”

In light of this, Mexico’s president demanded a thorough investigation into all aspects of this case, which has alerted Mexican authorities to the possible presence of additional CIA agents on Mexican soil who may have been operating without the consent of Mexican authorities.

According to The New York Times, prior to the accident, the group in which the four deceased were involved had allegedly participated, directly or indirectly, in an operation against certain clandestine drug laboratories in El Pinal, Morelos. Furthermore, it was reported that the two CIA agents did not have formal accreditation and were therefore operating with an irregular status.

Some sources reported that the US agents were only conducting training or technical support operations, although their status had not been regularized with federal authorities. The contradictions in the story have sparked much speculation regarding the CIA’s activities in Mexico.

Mexican prosecutor announces his resignation

For now, media attention and federal investigations have already led the attorney general of the state of Chihuahua, César Gustavo Jáuregui Moreno, to announce his resignation on April 27.

Jáuregui Moreno said at a press conference that he was taking political responsibility for the agents’ unauthorized involvement. According to the former official, both agents identified themselves as officials from another country, although the federal government was never notified of their presence or actions.

In this regard, Jáuregui Moreno also stated that the mismanagement of control mechanisms, communication, and institutional governance does constitute a serious violation of the legal protocols established in Mexico.

An ongoing investigation

For now, the investigation into the presence and deaths of the CIA agents and the Mexican agents is being conducted by Prosecutor Wendy Chávez, who stated that “These individuals were not wearing tactical uniforms and were not carrying firearms.”

In addition, Chávez said that the only person with whom “the foreign nationals” interacted was the director of the State Investigation Agency, Pedro Oseguera, who also died in the traffic accident.

In this regard, Chávez asserts that it was Oseguera who failed to inform his superiors about the presence of the CIA agents who accompanied him to various activities between April 17 and 19: “There are elements in the investigation that suggest a possible unofficial collaboration.”

A long-running controversy over the fight against drug trafficking

The case adds to a series of comments, responses, and accusations that have been exchanged between Mexico and Washington since Donald Trump began his second term. The US president has warned that, if Mexico does not improve its efforts against crime and illegal immigration in the way that Trump would like, he would impose economic sanctions on Mexico.

On several occasions, Trump has insisted on the involvement of US forces in the fight against drug trafficking in Mexico. On one occasion, he even publicly stated that he might consider bombing Mexican cartels on Mexican soil, a proposal that was rejected by Sheinbaum.

However, Sheinbaum has also maintained a calm and conciliatory stance in the face of Trump’s warnings. The Mexican president has managed, for now, to maintain an open line of communication with Washington, which has dissuaded Trump from taking actions against the Mexican economy and on Mexican soil. Sheinbaum’s pragmatism was evident once again when she stated that she does not believe there will be “a conflict” between the United States and Mexico over this case.

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