Morena officials offered to inform US authorities amid drug‑corruption probes

The New York Times reported that at least a dozen Mexican officials, most of them members of the ruling Morena party, have discreetly contacted United States authorities to act as informants on fellow politicians. Sources say governors, legislators and other elected officials approached the DEA after the U.S. Justice Department indicted several current and former Sinaloa officials, alleging links to the cartel. The informants allegedly hope to avoid future investigations by providing information in advance.

Key figures named in the reporting include Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo and Tamaulipas Governor Américo Villarreal, both of whom have publicly denied any U.S. investigation and have asked the New York Times to issue a correction. Morena’s leadership, represented by national president Ariadna Montiel, rejected the allegations, describing them as a political campaign driven by the ultra‑right to tarnish the party. President Claudia Sheinbaum also dismissed the claims as foreign interference and affirmed that any investigations must respect Mexico’s sovereignty.

The revelations have heightened diplomatic tension between Mexico and the United States and raised questions about the stability of the Morena party ahead of upcoming elections.