Sheinbaum: Unclear who governor spoke with in leaked audio

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has downplayed concerns over leaked audio recordings featuring Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, stating that it remains unclear who the governor was speaking with. The recordings, revealed by journalist Héctor de Mauleón, capture a voice attributed to Ávila Olmeda expressing willingness to "talk about everything I can know, how to support, how to cooperate" and mentioning "what I have heard in security meetings." She also voiced concern about possible extradition.

“

I am willing to talk about everything I can know, how to support, how to cooperate. I can say what I have heard in the security meetings.

However, Sheinbaum emphasized that the governor herself has provided an explanation and that the context of the conversation is uncertain. "We don't even know if it's with U.S. authorities or not," Sheinbaum told reporters. She reiterated Ávila Olmeda's assurance that the exchange did not compromise the security of Baja California.

Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, corroborated this, stating that the audio's content does not imply the sharing of confidential information. He explained that state security meetings involve federal and state authorities discussing crime indicators and inter-governmental coordination, not sensitive strategic data. The opposition National Action Party (PAN) has called for Ávila Olmeda to request a leave of absence, framing the issue as a matter of national security rather than visa discussions.

“

In the audios that were made public yesterday, it is not inferred that confidential information was going to be shared.

Ávila Olmeda has acknowledged the audios are from a private conversation and stated she remains calm and willing to cooperate. The federal government has indicated no immediate cause for alarm regarding national security based on the available information.

“

We don't even know if it's with U.S. authorities or not. And she gives a subsequent explanation that it is part of a communication and that it does not put anything in Baja California's security at risk.