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Mexican President Denies Consulates Meddle in US Politics

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied claims that Mexican consulates in the United States are interfering in local politics. Her remarks followed a CBS News report that the US State Department is looking to investigate Mexican consulates after the deaths of two CIA officers. Sheinbaum emphasized that the consulates' role is solely to protect Mexican citizens and respect US policy. The denial comes amid heightened tensions over US immigration crackdowns and extradition requests for Mexican citizens.

Key Points: Mexico Denies Consulates Meddling in US Politics

  • Mexico denies consulates meddle in US politics
  • US State Department reportedly investigating consulates after CIA deaths
  • Mexico strengthens consular services amid US immigration crackdown
  • Sheinbaum stresses sovereignty in Cinco de Mayo speech
2 min read

Mexican President denies consulates meddle in US politics

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denies claims of consulates interfering in US politics amid reports of a possible State Department investigation.

"This idea that Mexican consulates are engaging in politics in the United States is completely false. - Claudia Sheinbaum"

Mexico City, May 9

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied claims that Mexican consulates in the United States are interfering in local politics and should come under scrutiny.

"This idea that Mexican consulates are engaging in politics in the United States is completely false," Sheinbaum said at a daily press conference on Friday (local time), stressing that just like the US consulate in Mexico or those of other countries, the Mexican consulate's role is solely to "protect their citizens."

Her remarks followed a report broadcast by CBS News that the US State Department is looking to investigate Mexican consulates, and possibly even close some of them, following the deaths of two American CIA officers after a counter-narcotics operation in northern Mexico last month, reports Xinhua news agency.

Mexico's government has not received any official notification of a supposed review or possible closure of consulates, she said.

Mexico's more than 50 consulates in the United States provide assistance and protection to Mexican citizens abroad, in keeping with international law and standard diplomatic practices, said Sheinbaum. "They are very respectful of US policy."

The US administration's immigration crackdown, including raids against undocumented migrants, has led the Mexican government to strengthen its consular services.

Earlier on May 5, the President celebrated the Cinco de Mayo holiday by declaring that no foreign power should dictate the country's course and that political opponents seeking support from abroad are destined to fail.

Commemorating the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, when Mexican forces defeated a much larger invading French army, Sheinbaum stressed that nothing is more important than sovereignty, independence and the national interests of the Mexican people.

"Those who seek foreign support, as they lack the people's support, are destined for defeat... Those who think the president is bowing down: they are destined for defeat," Sheinbaum said in a speech in the central state of Puebla.

Her remarks come just days after the US government requested the extradition of 10 Mexican citizens, including the governor of northwest Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha Moya, for alleged crimes in connection with arms and drug trafficking.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
As someone who has seen how Indian consulates operate in the Gulf countries, I can tell you consulates providing assistance to their citizens is completely normal. The US State Department's threat to investigate and close Mexican consulates sounds more like political posturing. President Sheinbaum's point about reciprocity is valid - if US consulates in Mexico aren't accused of meddling, why should Mexican ones be? 🌍
R
Ravi K
I don't understand why there's a fuss. Consulates exist to protect citizens, period. If the US has concerns about specific activities, they should provide evidence instead of threatening blanket closures. This reminds me of how some countries treat our Indian consulates during diplomatic tensions. Just plain unnecessary escalation. The Cinco de Mayo speech about sovereignty was spot on - no country should dictate another's internal affairs.
J
James A
I'm skeptical of the Mexican government's narrative here. If two CIA officers died during a counter-narcotics operation in northern Mexico, there must have been some serious breakdown in cooperation. The US has every right to review how Mexican consulates function if they suspect interference. But President Sheinbaum's point about sovereignty is also important - the US should handle this diplomatically, not through threats. It's a complex geopolitical situation.
P
Priya S
It's disappointing to see the US using deaths of officers as a political tool to attack Mexican consulates. The extradition request for 10 Mexican citizens, including a governor, seems like a separate issue that's being conflated here. India has faced similar situations where diplomatic matters get mixed with criminal investigations. President Sheinbaum is right to defend her country's sovereignty. Let's hope both sides de-escalate this situation. 🤞
D

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