President Claudia Sheinbaum presented an official report on the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The measure responds to journalistic versions that link the FBI with the operation.
The contradictions with the United States
The Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, pointed out contradictions between statements by former ambassador Ken Salazar and a report from July 2026. That text relates the US agency to the aircraft that transported Zambada. Rodríguez warned that a unilateral intervention would violate the Constitution and the National Security Law.
Specialists Abraham Serrano and Raúl Guillermo Benítez explained that the FBI operates legally in Mexico through offices in the embassy and consulates. They regularly collaborate with the FGR and the SSPC.
However, they noted that powers often deploy low-profile agents to protect their interests. This could explain the recent operation. They recalled antecedents such as the extraction of the doctor Álvarez Machain in the Camarena case and the death of CIA agents in Chihuahua.
Possible impact on the bilateral relationship
Despite diplomatic complaints about the possible violation of national sovereignty, both experts agreed that the episode is unlikely to significantly deteriorate the relationship with the United States. They indicated that the differences will be resolved through diplomatic channels. However, they warned that without greater bilateral coordination, Washington could maintain unilateral actions under the argument of protecting its national security.




