Former Baja California governor Jaime Bonilla has publicly accused Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila of leading a “narco-government,” while firmly denying any involvement in leaking controversial audio recordings linked to her. In an interview with José Cárdenas on Noticias en Claro, Bonilla also rejected claims that he participated in efforts to resolve the situation surrounding the governor’s revoked U.S. visa.

Bonilla revealed that he had warned then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador about the alleged infiltration of organized crime in Baja California’s government. He recounted a private breakfast meeting with López Obrador where he presented evidence to support his claims.

“I went to speak with President López Obrador, who invited me to breakfast, and I told him what was happening in Baja California and that we needed his help because the state couldn’t fall into the hands of organized crime,” Bonilla said.

When asked if he had proof, Bonilla responded, “He asked me, ‘Do you have evidence?’ I said, ‘Yes, I have proof. Here I bring you four files of assets now involved in drug trafficking.’”

He also told the president that he planned to make these accusations public in the Senate, emphasizing the urgency of the situation: “When I told him this same thing, president, I said, ‘I’m going to say it in the Senate tomorrow.’”

Bonilla stressed that he has always been direct with López Obrador, urging him to visit Baja California to see the situation firsthand. “I told him, ‘Andrés, you have to go to Baja California.’” He added, “The one who warns is not a traitor. I have to tell you this is happening in Baja California.”

Regarding his relationship with Governor Marina del Pilar, Bonilla stated that they do not communicate and denied facilitating any contacts with U.S. authorities. He dismissed allegations that he intervened to help resolve her visa issues or that he was involved in leaking the private conversations that have sparked political tensions in the state.

Bonilla described himself as a political adversary of the governor and called the accusations against him “illogical,” asserting that he never assigned anyone to manage the governor’s visa matters.

This interview, aired recently, adds another layer to the ongoing political conflict in Baja California, highlighting the complex interplay between local governance, organized crime allegations, and international diplomatic issues. For migrants and residents alike, these developments underscore the challenges of transparency and accountability in regional politics.