Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar denied that the FBI participated directly in the operation to capture 'El Mayo' Zambada.
This denial comes amid ongoing tension regarding the level of U.S. involvement in Mexican security operations. The nature of the cooperation between the two nations remains a point of contention for Mexican officials who prioritize national sovereignty.
Speaking during a broadcast on Milenio Noticias on July 8, Salazar addressed the specific role of U.S. agencies in the apprehension of the leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) [1, 2]. He said that the FBI did not have a direct hand in the operational execution of the capture [1, 2].
The statement follows reports of broader security actions in the region. Recent raids in Sinaloa resulted in four arrests and the death of one plaza boss [1]. These operations are part of a wider effort to dismantle the leadership structures of major drug trafficking organizations.
While Salazar denied direct FBI participation, the coordination between U.S. intelligence and Mexican enforcement agencies often remains opaque. The distinction between direct operational participation and intelligence sharing is frequently a central theme in diplomatic discussions between Mexico City and Washington.
Salazar's comments aim to clarify the boundaries of the U.S. role in the operation [1, 2]. By distancing the FBI from the direct tactical execution, the former ambassador sought to address concerns about foreign intervention on Mexican soil.
“The FBI did not have a direct hand in the operational execution of the capture.”
The denial by Ken Salazar serves to mitigate diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Mexico. By specifying that the FBI was not directly involved in the tactical capture, the U.S. seeks to respect Mexican sovereignty while maintaining a strategic partnership in the fight against organized crime, specifically the CJNG.
