The United States is currently examining allegations against two influential Mexican governors. This initiative marks a shift in the U.S. strategy, focusing on Mexican officials suspected of organized crime involvement. Previously, the U.S. targeted cartel leaders, but significant actions against politicians are now taking place.

Alfonso Durazo, Sonora’s governor, and Américo Villarreal Anaya, Tamaulipas’ governor, reportedly had their U.S. visas revoked amid these probes. Both are part of Mexico’s Morena party, linked to President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum criticized the investigations, labeling them as electoral interference by the U.S.

In April, the U.S. Justice Department charged several Morena members, including Gov. Rubén Rocha Moya of Sinaloa, with collaborating with the Sinaloa cartel in transporting drugs like fentanyl and cocaine into the U.S. in exchange for bribes.

“What is the intent behind revoking the visas?” Sheinbaum questioned during a news conference.

Durazo, accused of ties to organized crime, denies wrongdoing, claiming his visa remains valid. Villarreal is implicated in fuel smuggling activities, a profitable illegal operation along the Texas border. Both use the U.S. parole program for legal cooperation, typically reserved for law enforcement cooperation.

Sheinbaum opposes U.S. demands to extradite Rocha Moya, viewing it as interference, and instead advocates for internal assessments of officials’ conduct. The U.S. remains skeptical of Mexican legal proceedings, citing past cases where Mexican officials, such as former Defense Minister Salvador Cienfuegos, were exonerated post-U.S. charges.

Amid increasing diplomatic tension and the review of the North American free trade agreement, the U.S. continues to cancel visas quietly without much publicity, partly driven by a National Counterterrorism Center focus on identifying officials linked to designated terrorist groups like drug cartels.

As Mexico approaches midterm elections in 2027, Sheinbaum must carefully select candidates, keenly aware that U.S. actions against politicians might disrupt her party’s electoral fortunes. Publicly, she remains confrontational against U.S. claims and actions supposedly undermining Mexico’s sovereignty.