Mexican lawmaker urges senator to resign amid cartel allegations

Arturo Ávila, the spokesperson for Morena in Mexico's Chamber of Deputies, has called on Senator Enrique Inzunza Cázarez to request a leave of absence. Ávila described it as an "error" and "imprudence" for Inzunza to return to the Congress of the Union in the upcoming ordinary session, which begins September 1. This comes in the context of investigations against Inzunza, stemming from accusations by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding alleged agreements with "Los Chapitos" of the Sinaloa Cartel. The accusations suggest these deals were made to facilitate drug trafficking operations in Sinaloa while Inzunza remained in power. Ávila emphasized that if there are ongoing investigations, the most appropriate action would be to step down and face judicial scrutiny without the protection of constitutional immunity. He believes that surrendering immunity is the best way to submit to justice when facing such serious allegations. The legislator stated that any individual facing such delicate accusations should subject themselves to judicial review. He reiterated that it would be healthiest for someone in Senator Inzunza's situation to undergo such scrutiny without the shield of constitutional immunity. Inzunza had previously announced his intention to return to his Senate duties on August 30.