Mexico Says CIA Agents Killed in Crash Were Not Authorised for Local Operation

Mexico has said two U.S. agents killed in a recent car crash in its northern region were not authorised to take part in operations within its territory, raising fresh questions over cross-border security coordination.

According to Mexican authorities, the two Americans—identified by sources as employees of the Central Intelligence Agency—were involved in activities linked to the destruction of a clandestine drug laboratory in Chihuahua state. The agency has declined to comment on the matter.

Local officials said the agents were travelling in a convoy when their vehicle veered off a ravine and exploded. Two Mexican officers also died in the incident.

In a statement, Mexico’s Ministry of Security said neither of the U.S. agents had formal accreditation to participate in operational activities in the country. One reportedly entered Mexico as a visitor, while the other used a diplomatic passport.

“Mexican law does not permit the participation of foreign agents in operations within national territory,” the ministry said, adding that authorities were unaware of any such mission involving foreign personnel.

The government said it is reviewing the case in coordination with local authorities and the U.S. Embassy, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a cooperative security relationship with the United States.

However, the incident has exposed conflicting accounts between both countries. Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged that Mexican federal forces were involved in the operation, contradicting earlier statements that denied knowledge of any joint activity or U.S. participation.

Investigations into the crash and the agents’ role remain ongoing.