**General Cienfuegos Attends Ceremony – Sheinbaum Clarifies It’s an Army Protocol**
On February 10, 2025, the President addressed the presence of retired Division General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda at a recent ceremony commemorating the 112th anniversary of the March of Loyalty. Formerly heading the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) from 2012 to 2018 under the government of Enrique Peña Nieto, Cienfuegos’ involvement in the event at Chapultepec Castle was strictly due to Army protocol, according to the President.
During a morning press briefing at the National Palace, the President explained that it is customary to invite all generals who have served as directors of the Heroic Military College to such events. She emphasized there was no reason to deviate from this protocol during the ceremony held the previous day.
Despite backlash from some media questioning Cienfuegos’ presence, the President reiterated the importance of following military traditions and protocols. Cienfuegos was seen in the second row alongside other high-ranking officials, receiving greetings and posing for photos with fellow military personnel after the ceremony.
In a related event, the President justified the awarding of a Bicentennial Medal to Cienfuegos during the Military College’s 200th anniversary celebration in Veracruz. Despite criticism from various political factions, she highlighted that the acknowledgment was part of recognizing multiple military leaders for their contributions.
Cienfuegos’ history came under scrutiny following his 2020 arrest in the United States for alleged ties to narcotics trafficking. Although he was charged with conspiracy related to drug distribution, the Mexican government later exonerated him.
**Secondary Article: Mexican Military Protocols and Controversies**
Military protocols in Mexico often include recognition of past service, which can sometimes lead to public and political critique. This is highlighted by the ongoing discussion around former Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda.
In recent years, the presence of Cienfuegos at official functions has been controversial due to past allegations of his involvement in illicit activities. His 2020 arrest in the U.S. for alleged drug trafficking ties sparked significant media coverage, though he was eventually released and cleared by Mexican authorities. The incident raised questions about the strength and transparency of military customs and alliances.
Furthermore, debates continue regarding the influence of foreign agencies like the U.S. DEA on Mexican judicial and military actions. Former President López Obrador described past accusations against Cienfuegos as retaliatory measures aimed at destabilizing Mexican military institutions.
Despite these issues, traditional military protocols such as inviting former leaders to ceremonial events or honoring them for past service continue, emphasizing the importance of institutional legacy within the Mexican Armed Forces. These traditions, while sometimes contentious, represent a longstanding military culture that aligns past service with honor and merit.