Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Denies Secret Deal After US Visa Audio Leak

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda of Baja California confirmed that an audio recording released by journalist Héctor de Mauleón is authentic. The tape captures her speaking with individuals described as "external FBI advisors" about possible legal steps following the revocation of her and her husband’s US visas in May 2025.

She said the conversation was limited to seeking legal counsel from U.S. attorney Michael B. Nadler and that no clandestine agreement or meeting at the Tijuana consulate ever occurred. Ávila stressed that any interaction with U.S. officials is conducted through formal, transparent channels focused on migration, trade and security coordination, and denied any “agreements in the shadows.”

The governor also rejected accusations of irregularities, labeling the speculation as “telenovelas,” and underscored that she remains “calm and focused on serving the families of Baja California.”