Tamaulipas Governor Américo Villarreal denied U.S. accusations linking him to drug trafficking and the revocation of his American visa on Friday [1].
The dispute centers on reports from the Los Angeles Times alleging that the governor has ties to "huachicol," or fuel theft and drug trafficking [2]. Such allegations against a high-ranking Mexican official could strain diplomatic relations and impact security cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico.
During a press conference in Tamaulipas on June 5, 2026 [1], Villarreal displayed his U.S. visa to the media. He said the document remains valid and that he has not been notified of any changes to his immigration status. The governor used the public appearance to challenge the validity of the reports that sparked the controversy [3].
"No he recibido aviso de cancelación," Villarreal said [1].
He said there is no official notification regarding the supposed revocation of his migratory document [4]. Villarreal described the reports as baseless, saying the accusations are spread without evidence or foundation [2].
The governor's response follows a pattern of tension regarding the vetting of Mexican political figures by U.S. authorities. By physically showing the visa, Villarreal sought to provide immediate visual evidence to counter the Los Angeles Times report [3].
"No existe ninguna notificación oficial sobre la supuesta revocación de mi documento migratorio," Villarreal said [4].
Despite the public display, the governor did not provide specific details regarding any ongoing U.S. investigations. He said the claims of his involvement with organized crime are entirely false [2].
“"No he recibido aviso de cancelación."”
This incident highlights the volatility of U.S.-Mexico relations when American media outlets report on the alleged criminal ties of foreign officials. While the governor's display of a physical visa suggests it has not been formally cancelled in a way he is aware of, it does not preclude the existence of a non-public U.S. investigation or a revocation that has not yet been processed through official notification channels.
