The reach of U.S. investigations into Mexican officials allegedly linked to organized crime has extended to the governors of Sonora and Tamaulipas, Alfonso Durazo and Américo Villarreal Anaya, both members of Morena, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The report reveals that the United States quietly revoked the visas of both governors amid ongoing probes into their possible ties to criminal organizations. Despite the visa cancellations, the governors continue to enter U.S. territory under a special permit called “parole for significant public benefit,” a mechanism typically used for individuals cooperating with authorities or serving as witnesses in investigations.

In response, the Sonora government firmly denied the allegations against Durazo, calling the information “completely false” and emphasizing that the governor holds a valid visa. Paloma Teran, head of Sonora’s State Communication System, stated, “The governor has a valid visa and has not been notified of any investigation by U.S. authorities. We categorically reject any unsupported accusations.”

Similarly, Tamaulipas authorities rejected the accusations against Américo Villarreal, describing them as “false and extremely serious” without a single piece of evidence to support the claims.

Meanwhile, Mexico City’s mayor Claudia Sheinbaum urged the governors to clarify whether their visas were indeed revoked, questioning the motives behind the visa cancellations and their public disclosure: “What is the intention behind revoking the visa and making it public?”

This development highlights the complex and often opaque relationship between political figures and law enforcement efforts on both sides of the border. For migrants and Mexican nationals abroad, it underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, especially when allegations involve cross-border legal scrutiny.