US May Cancel Mexican Officials’ Visas Amid Tensions

Mexico City — The United States Embassy in Mexico has warned that visas can be canceled "at any moment," including those of officials, amid a rise in diplomatic tensions prompted by statements from Donald Trump and a recent weapons seizure in Texas allegedly destined for Mexican cartels.

Amid a new episode of diplomatic friction between Mexico and the United States, the spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in the country, David Arizmendi, warned that visas can be revoked at any time, regardless of whether they belong to officials or public servants, when circumstances justify it.

"A visa is a privilege, not a right. Every country has the authority to decide who can enter its territory, including the United States," Arizmendi stated in a message distributed to media.

The clarification comes after several questions regarding recent cases of visa cancellations and statements from former President Donald Trump, who stated that although he has a good relationship with President Sheinbaum, "Mexico is run by the cartels."

The spokesperson emphasized that the Department of State can revoke visas at its discretion, even without a criminal conviction, when there are indications that the holder represents a risk or has ceased to meet the requirements to maintain it.

"This can include staying longer than permitted, participating in criminal activities, representing a risk to public safety, or supporting terrorist groups. A criminal conviction is not necessary; it is sufficient that there is enough information," he explained.

"Without regard to who the holder is, where they live, or what their political opinions are," he added.

He also underscored that this process happens constantly and is not made public for privacy reasons: "The decisions are not announced. The affected person is informed directly. The entire process is guided by U.S. law, internal policies, and the national interest."

The warning arrives just after a week of tense diplomatic exchanges, where both Trump and President Claudia Sheinbaum have traded statements regarding security and sovereignty.

"MEXICO DOES NOT ACCEPT INTERFERENCE"

Prior to the embassy's message, President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to the assertions of the former Republican leader, who days earlier said Mexico "is dominated by the cartels."

The president rejected any attempt at foreign intervention and defended bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect: "Dialogue with the United States has allowed us to establish a coordination agreement with respect for our sovereignty and our territory. We will never agree with an intervention or interference in countries," she maintained.

As proof of the results of that cooperation, Sheinbaum highlighted the seizure of some 400 weapons in U.S. territory, an operation that, she said, reflects that the fight against crime must be shared: "We should not only talk about the drugs that pass from Mexico to the United States, but also about the trafficking of weapons that comes from there to here. That is part of the coordination we have achieved," she stated.

THE SEIZURE OF THE WEEK

Media outlets such as Fox News revealed that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), together with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), seized 400 firearms, high-capacity magazines, and thousands of rounds of ammunition in Laredo, Texas, on October 23.

The United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, celebrated the operation on social media: "Another example of how nations working together deliver results for the people. U.S. authorities seized 400 weapons that were headed to Mexico—and arrested those responsible. Weapons that will not reach criminal hands. Shared security in action. Delivering results."

The agents detected irregularities in the walls of two trailers heading toward Mexico. A more detailed inspection allowed for the discovery of false compartments containing the hidden arsenal. U.S. officials stated the shipment was destined for Mexican cartels.

Despite the relationship between Mexico and the United States appearing more solid than the one the neighboring country maintains with other nations, such as Canada, factors still exist that place Mexico in a delicate position. It is worth recalling that the requirements to obtain a visa became stricter this year, and negotiations to update the USMCA are still pending.