The Trump administration has canceled the visas of at least 50 Mexican politicians and government figures, reportedly as part of its intensified efforts against drug cartels and those believed to be their political associates.
According to two Mexican officials who spoke to the outlet, these politicians and officials include members of Mexico’s governing Morena Party, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, as well as numerous individuals from other political organizations.
While their identities have not been officially disclosed, at least four officials have confirmed their visas were revoked, among them Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila, who has publicly refuted any connections to organized criminal groups.
A State Department representative did not corroborate the report but indicated that visas may be canceled for various reasons, including violations of U.S. law or engagement in activities deemed contrary to America’s national interests. The official underscored that a visa is considered a privilege, not an entitlement.
Speaking to Digital, the official stated that the Trump administration maintains a positive collaborative relationship with the Sheinbaum government and is committed to further developing its bilateral ties, aligning with the “America First” foreign policy framework.
The Trump administration has adopted a strict zero-tolerance stance on trafficking—a central pledge of its presidential campaign—resulting in the U.S. military intercepting several suspected drug vessels en route to the U.S., many reportedly originating from Venezuela.
In the preceding month, the Trump administration rescinded Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s U.S. visa, citing what officials termed “reckless and inflammatory actions” he undertook in New York City after participating in a protest against Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Petro additionally demanded a criminal inquiry into President and other administration officials concerning lethal attacks on Caribbean vessels that the White House asserted were transporting illicit drugs.
Furthermore, the administration has canceled the visas of over 20 Brazilian judges and 14 prominent Costa Rican political and business figures, notably including former president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Oscar Arias.
“The Trump administration is devising novel methods to intensify pressure on Mexico,” commented Tony Wayne, who served as U.S. ambassador to from 2011 to 2015.
These revocations are integral to Trump’s security framework and represent a fresh dimension in his “drug war,” which now encompasses political networks in addition to drug traffickers.
On September 30, the White House distributed a memo informing lawmakers that the U.S. is currently involved in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug smugglers, following multiple assaults on suspected Venezuelan drug boats in the Caribbean since September.
In February, Trump designated groups such as Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa cartel, and others as foreign terrorist organizations.
Digital additionally sought comments from Mexico’s foreign ministry, the president’s office, the Morena Party, and the office of Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila.
’ Diana Stancy and Reuters provided contributions to this news report.