Ernesto Ruffo Appel investigated for alleged Arellano Félix cartel links

Mexico's Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) will examine whether there is sufficient evidence to open an investigation into former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel for alleged connections to the Arellano Félix cartel. The accusations stem from two separate episodes: a 1993 statement by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán that suggested Ruffo protected the cartel, and a 2017 social‑media post by former president Felipe Calderón repeating the claim.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the FGR will decide if criminal proceedings are warranted. The case has resurfaced amid broader political tensions, including remarks by Baja California governor Marina del Pilar Ávila about cooperation with U.S. authorities and partisan accusations from opposition figures.