Ex-Pemex director arrested after wife's domestic violence video

Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, former director of Mexico's state oil company Pemex, was arrested on July 7, 2026, in Mexico City's Benito Juárez borough on charges of domestic violence. The arrest followed a viral video from June 26 showing him assaulting his wife, María Felicia Jiménez, at their home in Morelos Source: eldiado. Jiménez had publicly called on President Claudia Sheinbaum for protection Source: infobae.

Arrest and detention

Rodríguez Padilla was taken into custody at 17:32 hours by Mexico City police in coordination with Morelos state prosecutors Source: excelsiormx. He was transferred to the Atlacholoaya prison in Morelos to face a judge within 72 hours Source: mileniomx. The arrest warrant cited "family violence" against his partner, with the alleged assault occurring in March 2026 Source: heraldomx.

Reactions and context

President Sheinbaum stated, "We will not protect anyone in the face of such an act. There can be no violence against women" Source: diariolibree.

Judicial process

The former official, who led Pemex from October 2024 to May 2026, now awaits an initial hearing in Morelos. His lawyer noted that the video evidence will be integrated with other proofs Source: mileniomx. Jiménez said she delayed reporting due to fear of his power and reprisals Source: diariolibree.