Marina del Pilar Reappears in Public Act with Claudia Sheinbaum; Participates in Official Ceremony

Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila made a public appearance alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday, marking her return to official events after controversy surrounding leaked audio recordings.

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The operation allowed us to guarantee security during the World Cup and showed the world the strength of our institutions, as well as the image of a country at peace, hospitable, and organized.

Ávila participated in a ceremony in Zumpango, State of Mexico, honoring institutions and public servants involved in "Plan Kukulkán," the security strategy deployed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. President Sheinbaum praised the operation for ensuring safety during the tournament and showcasing Mexico's institutional strength, peace, and hospitality to the world. Federal cabinet members, ambassadors, and other governors also attended the event.

The governor's reappearance comes after a series of audio recordings, published by columnist Héctor de Mauleón, surfaced. In these recordings, a voice attributed to Ávila is heard discussing her visa cancellation with individuals presenting themselves as intermediaries for U.S. authorities. She reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate and provide information related to security meetings, sparking concerns about potential exchanges of sensitive data.

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The audios correspond to private conversations, although they were taken out of context.

Following the leak, Ávila confirmed the audios were from private conversations but insisted they were taken out of context. She vehemently denied sharing any information that could compromise national security or committing treason. Ávila alleged that former Baja California Governor Jaime Bonilla orchestrated a meeting with individuals posing as U.S. intermediaries, during which she was recorded without her consent, and accused him of being behind the audio's dissemination. Further recordings have since emerged, allegedly detailing meetings in Panama and efforts to regain her U.S. visa, with Ávila stating she hired a former FBI agent for assistance.

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I was the victim of a 'trap' and the former governor of Baja California, Jaime Bonilla, led me to meet with people who presented themselves as intermediaries for U.S. authorities, where I was recorded without my knowledge.