Mexico probes US role in capture of Sinaloa cartel leader El Mayo

Mexico has launched an investigation into whether the United States lied about its involvement in the 2024 capture of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, amidst fresh evidence suggesting FBI participation Source: The Guardian. The probe focuses on whether US agents violated Mexican sovereignty by operating on its soil without authorization.

The Capture Controversy

Zambada was kidnapped by fellow cartel member Joaquín Guzmán López and flown to a New Mexico airport in July 2024, where both were arrested. Then-US Ambassador Ken Salazar initially denied US involvement, stating, "It was not our plane, not our pilot, and not our operation" Source: The Guardian. However, a recent report by Pie de Nota alleged FBI involvement, and a museum plaque near the plane displayed credits two FBI agents for executing the arrest Source: The Guardian. Salazar's forthcoming memoir maintains no US agents traveled on the plane Source: El País.

Sovereignty and Diplomatic Fallout

President Claudia Sheinbaum called the potential violation "a serious breach of sovereignty" and indicated she may speak directly to President Donald Trump about the case Source: Mexico News Daily. Mexico's Attorney General condemned the US for providing "false or inaccurate identification" of the aircraft and barring inspection Source: The Guardian. The incident has heightened tensions between the two countries, especially amid Trump's threats to launch a ground invasion against cartels Source: The Guardian.