New evidence has revealed that United States agents involved in a drug laboratory operation in Chihuahua were present at the Fiscalía de Operaciones Estratégicas at least two days before the mission began. Wendy Chávez Villanueva, head of the Specialized Unit investigating the dismantling of the “El Pinal” laboratory, disclosed these findings during a press conference.
Unauthorized Presence and Armament
Investigation data indicates that the foreign nationals were seen informally near the strategic operations office on at least two dates prior to the raid, as well as hours before the convoy departed for the municipality of Morelos.
Specifically, on April 16, 2026, one of the foreign individuals was observed inside the facilities holding a long weapon in a vertical position. Officials noted that while the weapon was present, there was no apparent intent to use it, and its use or possession outside those facilities during the operation has not been corroborated.
Lack of Official Authorization
Authorities stated there is no evidence that Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the State Investigation Agency (AEI) who died in a subsequent accident, requested permission for these agents to operate. No records exist showing that other public servants involved in the operation informed their superiors about the inclusion of foreign nationals in the convoy.
Evidence suggests a pattern of “informal interaction” between the foreign individuals and AE agents. However, investigators confirmed that the Americans did not wear AE uniforms or carry official insignias of the corporation.
Ongoing Diplomatic Silence
The Mexican authorities have not yet received a formal response to information requests sent to the U.S. Diplomatic and consular representation or the National Migration Institute. These requests seek to clarify the identity, migration status, and official roles of the individuals involved.
Currently, two of the individuals remain unidentified. Investigators are working to determine if they held any specific functions linked to U.S. Consular or diplomatic security agencies.
Potential Next Steps
As the investigation continues, officials may seek further cooperation from the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), with whom they are currently collaborating. The identification of the two unknown individuals could lead to a clearer understanding of the operation’s chain of command.
Future updates are likely to depend on whether the U.S. Government provides a formal response regarding the accreditation and status of the personnel involved in the April 19 discovery of the “El Pinal” laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the “El Pinal” laboratory found?
The laboratory was discovered on April 19.
Who was the head of the AEI involved in the case?
The head of the State Investigation Agency (AEI) was Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes, who died in an accident along with two U.S. Agents.
Did the U.S. Agents wear official Mexican agency uniforms?
No, the evidence confirms that the U.S. Agents did not wear uniforms or official insignias of the State Investigation Agency.
Do you believe the lack of formal authorization for foreign agents in joint operations should lead to stricter oversight of local security agencies?
