On April 25, 2026, Mexico’s government said two U.S. federal agents who died in a recent car crash in the country’s north were not authorized to take part in operations on Mexican soil. Mexican officials said the agents were killed when their vehicle drove off a ravine and exploded while traveling with a convoy; two Mexican officers also died in the incident.
Earlier reporting by CBS News, citing multiple sources, identified the Americans as CIA employees; the agency declined to comment. The precise role of the two agents remains unclear. Local authorities said they were reportedly returning from destroying a clandestine drug laboratory in the northern state of Chihuahua.
Mexico’s Ministry of Security said one U.S. agent entered the country as a visitor and the other used a diplomatic passport, but neither held formal accreditation to conduct operational activities in Mexico. The ministry added that the government had not been informed of foreign agents operating or planning operations on its territory and that the case is being reviewed with local authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
The ministry noted that Mexican law does not permit foreign agents to participate in operations within national territory and reiterated a willingness to maintain a serious, respectful relationship with the United States for the mutual benefit of both countries. Officials from Mexico and the U.S. have offered differing accounts of the events; Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged federal forces were involved after the government initially denied knowledge of any operation or U.S. participation.