Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered an investigation into the role played by two US officials in a counter-narcotics operation in the northern state of Chihuahua.
The two died alongside two Mexican officials when their car crashed on their way back from an operation to destroy illegal drug labs, Chihuahua officials said.
Sheinbaum stated that neither she nor senior members of the federal security team were informed about any joint US-Mexican operations.
The president has asserted that foreign officials can only operate on Mexican soil with prior clearance at the federal level, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Mexico's sovereignty.
Amid pressure from US President Donald Trump to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, Sheinbaum has insisted that sovereignty rules must not be compromised.
She indicated that officials from her government had sought information from the US embassy and Chihuahua state authorities to determine if the operation breached national security laws.
The car belonging to the US and Mexican officials skidded off the road and fell into a ravine before exploding, according to a Chihuahua state official.
US Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, confirmed that the deceased were US embassy personnel. Chihuahua State Attorney-General César Jáuregui described them as 'instructor officers' engaging in standard training work with their Mexican counterparts.
Sheinbaum noted the need to assess the legal implications of the operation, which, in her view, was conducted without necessary approvals.
A recent report from the Washington Post revealed the deceased officials were affiliated with the CIA, involved in expanded efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Historically, the CIA has conducted covert operations in Mexico, including working closely with Mexican military units. Despite cooperation concerns, Sheinbaum affirmed no joint operations occur without explicit federal consent.
