Mexico probes possible U.S. sovereignty violation in drug lord capture

Mexico is launching an investigation into whether the United States violated its sovereignty during the 2024 capture of top drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. The inquiry comes after the FBI exhibited the plane used to transport Zambada to the U.S., sparking accusations of diplomatic deception.

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If one of the U.S. agencies participated in this operation, they would be violating international treaties and the (Mexican) constitution.

President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that if any U.S. agency was involved in the operation, it would constitute a violation of international treaties and the Mexican constitution. Zambada was arrested in the U.S. in July 2024 alongside Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of Sinaloa cartel co-founder "El Chapo" Guzman. Guzman Lopez's plea deal revealed that Zambada was ambushed, drugged, and flown to the U.S. – an act of betrayal to gain favor with U.S. authorities.

Despite the U.S. Embassy in Mexico stating in 2024 that no U.S. agency participated, Mexican government secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez noted contradictory accounts, stating, "Someone lied." She questioned the ambassador's statements, suggesting he may have misled the public. Zambada had previously pleaded guilty to federal charges including drug trafficking, gun offenses, and money laundering, with prosecutors alleging his responsibility for vast quantities of illegal drugs entering the U.S.

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The versions are contradictory. Someone lied.

The fallout from Zambada's arrest has intensified cartel factional violence, causing thousands of deaths and disappearances. This investigation also occurs amidst heightened rhetoric from former President Trump, who has threatened U.S. military action against cartels in Mexico. President Sheinbaum, however, has focused on utilizing U.S. intelligence for counter-narcotics operations, such as the recent killing of cartel boss "El Mencho" Oseguera. The situation remains tense, especially following the deaths of two CIA agents in unclear circumstances during an anti-drug operation in April, which Mexico is also investigating.

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In this case, everything seems to indicate that the ambassador (Ken Salazar) lied.