 "US revokes visas of over 50 Mexican politicians in major crackdown on cartel ties")
The United States has revoked the visas of more than 50 Mexican politicians and government officials, a move that broadens the Trump administration’s crackdown on drug cartels and their suspected political connections, according to officials cited by Reuters.
The widespread revocations, which exceed previously reported figures, have sent a palpable shockwave through Mexico’s political establishment, many of whom frequently travel to the United States. While previous administrations have used visa revocation, they have not done so on this scale, a fact three former US ambassadors confirmed to Reuters.
Tony Wayne, who served as US ambassador to Mexico from 2011 to 2015, told Reuters that the action shows “The Trump administration is finding new ways to exert more pressure on Mexico.”
Among those affected are numerous members of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ruling Morena party. A senior Mexican politician informed Reuters that more than 50 Morena party members were included in the sweeping cancellations, alongside officials from other political groups.
While names have not been widely publicised, one figure who has confirmed the loss of her visa is Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila, who has categorically denied any links to organised crime.
Washington’s new card
The mass revocations are part of a strategic alignment where US intelligence on drug cartels directly impacts an individual’s US travel status.
A source familiar with the visa process told Reuters that the designation of certain cartels as terrorist organisations means intelligence held by agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration is increasingly used to assess a person’s visa eligibility.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn response to an inquiry from Reuters, the US State Department confirmed that “visas, including those held by foreign officials, may be revoked at any time” for “activities that run contrary to America’s national interest,” while adding that Washington looks forward to continuing to advance its bilateral relationship with the Sheinbaum government.
The move threatens to undermine cooperation between the two nations on critical trade and security matters. Although President Sheinbaum has opted to work closely with the US on joint anti-cartel operations, she has publicly criticised suggestions by Trump administration officials about potential unilateral military action in Mexico, calling such proposals a violation of Mexican sovereignty.
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