On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly questioned the official US narrative regarding the capture and transfer of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a key figure in organized crime. During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum directly accused then-US Ambassador Ken Salazar of lying about the involvement of the FBI in the operation.

Sheinbaum highlighted contradictions between Salazar’s statements and recent revelations showing the FBI’s role. She pointed to a recent publication featuring the plane used to transport Zambada displayed at an FBI-organized event, where the agency appeared to take credit for the operation. This contrasts with previous US denials when Mexico requested official information about any American agency’s participation.

“If an American agency was involved, it could violate bilateral treaties and Mexican sovereignty,” Sheinbaum warned, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged misinformation by the ambassador and the potential international legal implications.

The president also firmly rejected any suggestion that her administration has negotiated with criminal groups. “We will never make deals with any member or organization of organized crime, never,” she stated.

Supporting this stance, Secretary of Security Omar García Harfuch shared a detailed report on federal operations in Sinaloa since the current government took office. According to García Harfuch, authorities have arrested 2,540 individuals linked to high-impact crimes, including members of Los Mayos and Los Chapos cartels. The crackdown has also resulted in the seizure of 94.5 tons of drugs, over 5,900 firearms, and the dismantling of 2,412 clandestine methamphetamine labs.

Sheinbaum framed these efforts as a dignified response representing the Mexican people’s resilience. “It’s crucial to provide accurate information—not just about arrests, but about the conditions surrounding these events and who is telling the truth,” she concluded.

This episode underscores ongoing tensions between Mexico and the US over security cooperation and sovereignty, highlighting the complex dynamics in the fight against organized crime. For migrants and international observers alike, it raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the role of cross-border law enforcement partnerships.