# Querétaro International Police Training Academy dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/quertaro-international-police-training-academy-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-07T16:33:34.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 3. The state of Querétaro has commenced construction on an International Police Training Academy, a 30 million peso project designed to professionalize law enforcement through specialized instruction and binational cooperation with the United States. The groundbreaking ceremony included Querétaro Governor Mauricio Kuri González and U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson, who noted the facility is intended to help combat cartels and terrorist groups. Following the ceremony, a political dispute arose between the federal government and state authorities. President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the event, asserting that the academy lacks federal authorization and that the state failed to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) or the High-Level Security Group (GANSEG). Sheinbaum emphasized that international security cooperation must follow established legal channels and institutional mechanisms to respect national sovereignty. Governor Kuri responded by presenting documentation to claim the state had notified the SRE of the Ambassador’s visit on September 25, 2026. He maintained that the event was strictly protocolary rather than the establishment of new international security mechanisms. The SRE has since confirmed receipt of the notification but noted that because the project involves international security agencies, it must undergo formal review and approval by GANSEG to proceed legally. The dispute has escalated politically, with Ariadna Montiel, president of the Morena party, accusing the PAN-led state government of using security initiatives as a pretext for foreign interference. Kuri has since reaffirmed that the academy is ‘100% state-funded’ and denied any fracture in his relationship with the federal government, stating the administration will adhere to all federal legal requirements and study plan approvals. Meanwhile, Ambassador Johnson defended the partnership, noting that the U.S. has invested over $10 million in Querétaro over the last decade. ## Claims - The President questioned why the Governor of Querétaro invited the US Ambassador to a police academy ceremony without inviting federal security or foreign affairs officials. (disputed by 17 sources) - Federal representatives, including the 17th Military Zone commander and the FGR delegate, were present at the academy's groundbreaking ceremony. (disputed by 4 sources) - The President instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact both the US Ambassador and the Governor of Querétaro to clarify the project. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The notification stated the Ambassador's visit was purely protocolary and did not establish direct international cooperation mechanisms in security or justice. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The SRE stated that the academy project requires presentation to the High-Level Security Group (GANSEG). (corroborated by 10 sources) - The Governor of Querétaro presented a document showing the state government notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) of the US Ambassador's visit. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The state government claims the notification was made in compliance with National Security Council instructions. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Querétaro government's notification to the SRE did not explicitly request authorization for the international police academy project. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Ariadna Montiel accused the PAN party of using security cooperation to promote foreign interference. (single source) - State governments should not establish security agreements with U.S. authorities regarding federal crimes. (single source) - The United States has invested more than 10 million dollars in Querétaro over the last decade. (single source) - Since 2015, the U.S. has provided training and equipment to Querétaro's security and justice institutions. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-07: Querétaro police academy project sparks federal sovereignty debate Querétaro Governor Mauricio Kuri defends a new international police academy project after President Sheinbaum raised concerns over federal protocols and potential foreign interference following a U.S. diplomat' 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quertaro-security-cooperation-sparks-political-dispute-in-mexico ### 2026-10-05: Querétaro police academy sparks dispute between state and federal government President Claudia Sheinbaum has challenged the legality of a new police academy in Querétaro, claiming it lacks federal authorization despite the state government providing proof of notifying the Foreign Office 55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/claudia-sheinbaum-challenges-quertaro-police-academy-launch ### 2026-10-02: Querétaro breaks ground on International Police Training Academy Querétaro has begun construction on an International Police Training Academy, a 30-million-peso project supported by U.S. cooperation to professionalize law enforcement and combat organized crime. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quertaro-breaks-ground-on-international-police-training-academy --- Cite as: Querétaro International Police Training Academy dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/quertaro-international-police-training-academy-dispute