Los Angeles Times journalist Steve Fisher defended a report stating the U.S. revoked visas for two Mexican governors on Wednesday [1].
The dispute highlights potential tensions between U.S. federal investigators and high-ranking Mexican officials regarding organized crime and fuel theft investigations.
Fisher reported that the U.S. government revoked the visas of Alfonso Durazo, governor of Sonora, and Américo Villarreal, governor of Tamaulipas [1]. According to sources cited by the Los Angeles Times, the move is linked to an investigation into "huachicol" — the illegal theft and sale of fuel — and alleged ties to organized crime [2, 4].
Fisher said that Villarreal does not have a current visa and instead relies on a special entry permit to visit the U.S. [2]. "Su visa está cancelada," Fisher said [3].
Governor Durazo has rejected the report, calling the information "noticia falsa" [5]. The governors have denied the revocations, but Fisher said, "Mantengo firme mi artículo" [2].
Some reports indicate the visas may have been withdrawn as early as 2025 [5]. Despite the denials from the Mexican officials, the Los Angeles Times has maintained the accuracy of its reporting regarding the status of the travel documents for the two governors [2, 4].
The investigation into fuel theft and organized crime involves cross-border activities that often trigger U.S. Department of State actions regarding visa eligibility for foreign officials suspected of corruption or criminal association.
“"Su visa está cancelada"”
The revocation of diplomatic or official visas for sitting governors suggests a high level of scrutiny from U.S. authorities regarding the influence of organized crime in Mexican state governments. If verified, these actions signal that U.S. investigators are prioritizing fuel-theft probes over traditional diplomatic courtesies, potentially complicating bilateral security cooperation.
