When the U.S. government announced an indictment linking Sinaloa Gov. Rubén Rocha Moya and other public officials to the Sinaloa Cartel and its Los Chapitos faction, officials said the sanctions marked the beginning of a broader effort targeting Mexican officials allegedly tied to organized crime.
More than a month later since the probe into Rocha Moya was opened, other Mexican governors could face similar scrutiny as the U.S. government is reportedly investigating two additional governors suspected of ties to criminal organizations.
As reported by The Los Angeles Times, citing people familiar with the matter, Sonora Gov. Alfonso Durazo and Tamaulipas Gov. Américo Villarreal Anaya have both had their visas revoked amid criminal investigations.
Asked about the alleged investigations into Durazo and Villarreal, President Claudia Sheinbaum said it was up to the governors to respond to the allegations and questioned the motive behind the probes.
"What is the intent behind revoking the visas, and, furthermore, making that information public?" she asked. "What is the underlying motive?"
Sheinbaum, Rocha Moya, Durazo and Villarreal are all members of Morena, Mexico's ruling party.
According to sources cited by The Los Angeles Times, Durazo's visa was revoked last year and he is under investigation by U.S. authorities for alleged ties to organized crime. When reports surfaced online last year claiming his visa had been revoked, Durazo and other Sonora officials denied the allegations, arguing they were politically motivated attacks against the governor and Morena.
Speaking to reporters June 3, Durazo again denied that his visa had been revoked. He added that he is unaware of any investigations and said he has not committed any wrongdoing.
"I hold a valid visa, I am not complicit with criminal groups, and I do not have a commitment to collaborate with any foreign country," he said.
In Villarreal's case, the Tamaulipas governor has been linked to the smuggling of illegal fuel, a practice known in Mexico as "huachicoleo."
Villarreal rejected the Los Angeles Times report and said he has not been notified of any investigation by the U.S. government. He described the allegations as "false, biased and lacking any evidence."
Sheinbaum suggested Sunday that the investigations could be politically motivated ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in 2026 and Mexico's federal elections in 2027.
"Mexico is nobody's piñata," she said.
Despite the dispute, Sheinbaum said this week that communication with the Trump administration remains active through diplomatic, security and defense channels.
She also said she does not believe President Donald Trump is personally directing what she described as an "offensive" against Mexico, instead blaming far-right sectors in both countries for escalating tensions.
