Mexico Denies CIA Role in Cartel Attacks Amid Rising U.S.-Mexico Tensions

Mexican authorities and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency have strongly denied a CNN report claiming CIA operatives were directly involved in deadly operations against drug cartels in Mexico. The report, published Tuesday and based on anonymous sources, alleged that the CIA expanded covert missions in Mexico through its elite Ground Branch unit and participated in targeted assassinations of cartel members over the past year.

Mexico’s Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch rejected the allegations, stating that the Mexican government “categorically rejects” any claims suggesting foreign agencies are conducting lethal or unilateral operations on Mexican territory. His statement emphasized Mexico’s firm stance against unauthorized foreign intervention in national security matters.

The CIA also dismissed the report. Agency spokesperson Liz Lyons described the CNN story as “false and salacious reporting,” adding that such claims could benefit criminal organizations and endanger American lives. The agency denied participating in covert attacks or assassination missions inside Mexico.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time in U.S.-Mexico relations. Concerns over the presence of U.S. intelligence personnel in anti-cartel operations have intensified following an April 19 car accident in Chihuahua that killed two U.S. officials. According to Reuters sources, the individuals were CIA officers returning from a mission connected to dismantling a drug laboratory.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration had not been informed about the U.S. officials’ involvement in the operation. She also warned Washington that unauthorized participation by American personnel in Mexican security missions must not happen again.

While Sheinbaum continues to support intelligence sharing and bilateral security cooperation, she has repeatedly stated that Mexico will not permit U.S. agents or military forces to carry out operations on Mexican soil. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for stronger military action against Mexican cartels and suggested the United States could act independently if Mexico fails to intensify its anti-cartel efforts.