On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) clarified its position regarding the recent controversy surrounding retired general Gerardo Mérida. Sedena’s head, Ricardo Trevilla, stated that the institution has no involvement in Mérida’s extradition to the United States over alleged links to organized crime, nor in his appointment as former Secretary of Security in Sinaloa.

Trevilla emphasized that the matter is being handled exclusively by the Mexican Attorney General’s Office and U.S. authorities. He explained that Mérida retired in 2022 and since then has had no professional ties with Sedena, aside from administrative matters such as pension payments and medical services for him and his family through the Armed Forces Social Security Institute.

Regarding accusations from Sinaloa’s interim governor, Yeraldine Bonilla, who blamed Sedena for Mérida’s appointment—apparently to shield the state’s governor on leave, Rubén Rocha—Trevilla described this as a misunderstanding. He clarified that state governments operate autonomously and may request Sedena’s opinion on the professional record of military personnel when considering appointments. Sedena’s role is limited to providing such recommendations, not making decisions.

When asked if Sedena was aware of Mérida’s situation in the United States, Trevilla responded firmly that they had no knowledge of it.

This statement sheds light on the complex relationship between military institutions and state governments in Mexico, especially in matters involving security appointments and allegations of criminal ties. For migrants and residents following Mexican affairs from abroad, understanding these dynamics is key to grasping how institutional responsibilities and political narratives unfold.