Backlash from Mexican Politics to the US: Is the Capture of 'El Mayo' Zambada an Attack on National Sovereignty?

Mexico's ruling party Morena, the Labor Party (PT), and the Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) claimed that the United States violated the country's national sovereignty in the incident of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada's capture and transfer to the US. Mexican lawmakers emphasized that a foreign government cannot be allowed to conduct operations on their soil outside of legal mechanisms. Government officials demanded that the US clearly explain the conditions of this process and act in accordance with international law. This situation has led to a serious tension and crisis of confidence in diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. Officials warned that the bending or ignoring of laws could be a harbinger of larger diplomatic crises in the future.

Morena Senator Higinio Martínez stated that any interference by a foreign government is absolutely unacceptable unless it falls within the framework of Mexican laws and the constitution. Martínez specifically noted that the potential involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the events that took place in the state of Sinaloa could be considered clear external interference. Federal Legislator Arturo Ávila stated that any action by US officials on Mexican soil must strictly comply with the Constitution, the National Security Law, and extradition agreements. Ávila emphasized that even if they are not ordinary citizens, high-level politicians such as Ricardo Anaya or Alito Moreno cannot be taken abroad through extrajudicial methods. It was expressed that these regulations and legal boundaries are indisputable in order to protect the country's independence and the dignity of its institutions.

Reginaldo Sandoval Flores, coordinator of the Labor Party (PT) federal parliamentary group, criticized the incident even more harshly, officially describing the capture and transfer of Zambada as a "kidnapping." Flores alleged that the US government and intelligence agencies carried out this action blatantly, without recognizing any legal obstacles. Flores also expressed great sorrow over the existence of Mexican collaborators who turned a blind eye to or supported such illegal actions for political interests. The PT lawmaker argued that this action by the US disregarded international law and diplomatic rules around the world, indicating a global crisis. Flores warned that taking a criminal through extrajudicial methods today could set a dangerous precedent that might lead to the kidnapping of a head of state tomorrow.

PVEM Senator Jorge Carlos Ramírez Marín approached the issue from a different angle, pointing out that the explanations provided by the US government regarding the incident contradicted each other. Ramírez Marín stated that they viewed the statements made by the then-US Ambassador Ken Salazar on the matter almost as a "confession." The official questioned this approach, noting that different individuals and their families were treated differently during the operation, which created a double standard. Ramírez Marín stated that by keeping this issue on the agenda, they fully support President Claudia Sheinbaum's demand for a clear and satisfactory explanation from the US. It was emphasized that the Mexican side's goal is to reveal the exact timeline of events and establish a legal framework to prevent diplomatic rules from being violated again.

Criticisms regarding the transfer of the families of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of 'El Chapo' Guzman, one of the key figures of the Sinaloa cartel, to the US have also come to the fore. Arturo Ávila stated that the news and claims on this matter are not fully verified facts at the moment and are mostly media narratives. The Mexican government continues the flow of information through diplomatic channels to clarify situations where current information is insufficient. Officials insist that international relations should be conducted based on concrete evidence and solid legal foundations, not media manipulations. Consequently, while protecting its sovereignty rights, Mexico continues its diplomatic pressure to ensure that cross-border cooperation in the fight against international criminal organizations remains within legal frameworks.