Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - The United States government has revoked the visas of at least 50 politicians and government officials in Mexico, an action taken amid the Trump administration's escalating crackdown on drug cartels and their suspected political allies, according to two Mexican officials.
While a few cases had been publicly reported, Reuters'
reporting indicates the visa cancellations are far more widespread than
previously known.
According to former US ambassadors, while previous
administrations have used this tool, the current scale is indicative of
President Donald Trump's willingness to use the diplomatic measure to achieve
policy goals. Former U.S. Ambassador Tony Wayne noted, "The Trump
administration is finding new ways to exert more pressure on Mexico."
The action has caused quiet shockwaves through Mexico's
political elite, as it significantly broadens U.S. anti-narcotics efforts by
targeting active politicians often considered too diplomatically
sensitive.
One senior Mexican politician said more than 50 politicians
from the ruling Morena party have had their visas revoked, along with dozens of
officials from other parties. Only four officials have publicly confirmed
losing their visas so far, including Baja California state Governor Marina del
Pilar Avila, who has denied any links to organized crime.
A senior U.S. State Department official confirmed that visas,
including those of foreign officials, "may be revoked at any time"
for "activities that run contrary to America's national interest,"
such as drug trafficking, corruption, or aiding illegal immigration. The U.S.
is not required to provide explanations for visa revocations.
The widespread revocations, particularly involving members of
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ruling Morena party, threaten to complicate the
U.S.-Mexico relationship. Despite Sheinbaum’s choice to collaborate closely
with the U.S. on cartels, she has condemned suggestions of unilateral U.S.
military action in Mexico.
Christopher Landau, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and the
State Department’s number two official, who has referred to himself as "El
Quitavisas" ("The Visa Snatcher"), has made his preference for
denying access to the U.S. clear.
The Trump administration has also been revoking visas
elsewhere in Latin America against perceived political opponents, including in
Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica.
A third source with knowledge of the process suggested the
revocations are part of Trump's security strategy, with the designation of some
cartels as terrorist organizations meaning intelligence increasingly impacts
visa status.
0 Comments