The US State Department is reviewing all 53 Mexican consulates operating across the United States, a move that could result in the closure of diplomatic offices.
A US official told CBS News on Thursday that the review is ongoing as the Trump administration reevaluates diplomatic operations in line with its foreign policy aim. The review follows friction between Washington and Mexico over cartel violence, security coordination, and the deaths of two American officials in Mexico last month.
Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, said the department is regularly reassessing foreign relations strategy: “The Department of State is constantly reviewing all aspects of American foreign relations to ensure they are in line with the President's America First foreign policy agenda and advance American interests.”
Mexico currently maintains the largest foreign consular network in the US, with offices concentrated in states including California, Texas, and Arizona. These consulates provide documentation, legal services, and other assistance to Mexican nationals living in the country.
The review comes after two American officials working for the CIA died alongside two Mexican investigators during a counter-narcotics operation in northern Mexico. The group was reportedly operating in a remote mountainous region targeting suspected drug laboratories when their vehicle crashed.
US Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson publicly announced the deaths of two embassy staff members on April 19.
The incident triggered political fallout after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum questioned whether the American officers had authorization from the Mexican federal government to conduct operations in the country. She later called on the Trump administration to provide an explanation.
Tensions have deepened further following US criminal charges against several senior Mexican political figures on drug trafficking and weapons allegations. Extradition requests have also reportedly been issued, including one targeting Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya.
Sheinbaum said Mexico’s Foreign Ministry has sent a diplomatic note to Washington requesting evidence from the US Justice Department regarding the accusations.
A US official told CBS News on Thursday that the review is ongoing as the Trump administration reevaluates diplomatic operations in line with its foreign policy aim. The review follows friction between Washington and Mexico over cartel violence, security coordination, and the deaths of two American officials in Mexico last month.
Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, said the department is regularly reassessing foreign relations strategy: “The Department of State is constantly reviewing all aspects of American foreign relations to ensure they are in line with the President's America First foreign policy agenda and advance American interests.”
Mexico currently maintains the largest foreign consular network in the US, with offices concentrated in states including California, Texas, and Arizona. These consulates provide documentation, legal services, and other assistance to Mexican nationals living in the country.
The review comes after two American officials working for the CIA died alongside two Mexican investigators during a counter-narcotics operation in northern Mexico. The group was reportedly operating in a remote mountainous region targeting suspected drug laboratories when their vehicle crashed.
US Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson publicly announced the deaths of two embassy staff members on April 19.
The incident triggered political fallout after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum questioned whether the American officers had authorization from the Mexican federal government to conduct operations in the country. She later called on the Trump administration to provide an explanation.
Tensions have deepened further following US criminal charges against several senior Mexican political figures on drug trafficking and weapons allegations. Extradition requests have also reportedly been issued, including one targeting Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya.
Sheinbaum said Mexico’s Foreign Ministry has sent a diplomatic note to Washington requesting evidence from the US Justice Department regarding the accusations.
