Mexican Governors Durazo and Villarreal Lose U.S. Visas Over Crime Links

The United States has cancelled the visas of two Mexican state governors, Alfonso Durazo of Sonora and Américo Villarreal of Tamaulipas. Both officials are under investigation for alleged ties to organized crime and fuel‑theft operations, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times. The visa revocations were carried out under the Significant Public Benefit parole program, which allows non‑citizens to travel for testimony before a grand jury.

Both governors have denied that their visas were revoked and have offered no evidence to the contrary. Mexican President‑elect Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed the investigations as conspiracies against her government, emphasizing confidence in the officials’ actions for the Mexican people.

The episode underscores increasing scrutiny of Mexican political figures by U.S. authorities and adds tension to bilateral relations as the investigations continue.