Mexican Law Restricts Foreign Agents’ Role After CIA Deaths in Chihuahua

Mexico City — The deaths of two suspected CIA agents in Chihuahua over the weekend have sparked a debate about the legal limits of foreign security personnel operating in Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasizing that all cooperation must comply with the National Security Law.

The two U.S. citizens died in a car accident while returning from an operation to secure a drug lab alongside Mexican Army personnel. Chihuahua’s state prosecutor initially stated the agents were in the country to teach drone courses, but the incident has raised questions about the extent of their involvement.

President Sheinbaum stressed that any security collaboration with foreign authorities must adhere to the National Security Law. “This is something that should not be taken lightly by all Mexicans. Any relationship with the U.S. government, particularly in security matters, must necessarily go through the federal government and specifically through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” she said from the National Palace.

According to Title Seven of the National Security Law, foreign agents may only participate in the country under formal cooperation mechanisms and cannot exercise functions reserved for national authorities. Article 69 states that “foreign agents may be authorized to temporarily enter national territory for information exchange purposes,” always within bilateral agreements.

The law imposes strict restrictions. Article 71 specifies that foreign agents “may only carry out liaison activities for information exchange” and prohibits them from “exercising powers reserved for Mexican authorities or applying or enforcing foreign laws in national territory.” They are barred from making arrests, conducting searches, or any actions involving deprivation of liberty. The law also requires them to “refrain from carrying out or inducing third parties to carry out detentions” or any conduct that violates the Constitution.

Officials who are aware of foreign security personnel’s participation must request permits from national authorities to hold meetings, and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be present at such meetings, according to Article 70.

Regarding accountability, Article 72 warns that foreign agents “will have no immunity” if they commit crimes or infractions in national territory and may be sanctioned under Mexican law. Article 74 adds that if a foreign government is found to engage in illegal practices, such as promoting unlawful deprivation of liberty or abduction, Mexico may suspend cooperation agreements and prohibit the operation of those agents.