Durango Governor's U.S. Visa Under Yellow Alert

Mexican state governor Esteban Villegas Villarreal said the United States has not revoked his tourist visa but that it is currently flagged with a "yellow alert" pending administrative review. He visited the U.S. consulate in Monterrey, answered a series of questions, and was returned his passport with the visa intact.

Villegas explained that the alert likely stems from an automatic biometric check that flags name‑matches or homonyms, a common airport screening issue. He stressed that he has no immediate foreign travel plans, although recent business trips to China and Spain proceeded without problems. The governor vowed to publicly display his visa in the coming days to dispel speculation and affirmed continued cooperation with U.S. consular officials.

The case surfaced amid broader rumors that several Mexican governors have faced visa restrictions, which the officials have repeatedly denied. Villegas' statement aims to clarify his own situation and reassure investors and the public about his ability to travel for economic outreach.