**Primary Article:**
**FGR Criticizes U.S. for Lack of Cooperation in “El Mayo” Transfer Case**
The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has expressed frustration over the United States government’s lack of response regarding information requests about the case involving Ismael Mario Zambada García, also known as “El Mayo,” a prominent figure in the Sinaloa Cartel. The FGR has been seeking details for over ten weeks on the circumstances under which Zambada, now 76, was allegedly transported to the U.S. without the Mexican government’s knowledge or consent. The Mexican authorities are particularly concerned about not having been given the identity of the pilot involved in the operation.
The lack of information has stirred diplomatic tensions, with accusations of a lack of transparency from both sides. On October 30, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the Mexican President, cautioned the U.S. Embassy in Mexico that actions taken in Zambada’s detention should be justified and transparent. Kenneth Lee Salazar, the United States Ambassador to Mexico, reiterated the mutual benefits of Zambada’s capture but faced skepticism from Mexican officials.
The FGR has shared that efforts to procure the necessary documentation about the flight which carried “El Mayo” include direct requests, contacting INTERPOL, and through International Legal Assistance. As of now, there has been no complete documentation provided on the flight, and the identity of the pilot remains undisclosed.
The agency claims to have enough evidence to continue with legal proceedings against Zambada for aggravated kidnapping and treason. Meanwhile, there is still an ongoing investigation regarding the death of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda, a significant political figure, occurring on the same day as Zambada’s alleged abduction.
While the American authorities deny executing an operation on Mexican soil or using an American aircraft and personnel, they affirm ongoing communication with Mexican counterparts. The U.S. maintains that collaboration and shared victories in anti-drug efforts should be recognized by both nations despite the circumstances surrounding Zambada’s capture.
**Secondary Article:**
**Further Developments in U.S.-Mexico Diplomatic Relations Post “El Mayo’s” Detention**
As tensions rise over the unresolved details of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García’s capture and transfer, both countries continue to navigate the diplomatic landscape. Prominent media outlets highlight an increasing narrative of cross-border cooperation needing to be augmented with robust diplomatic dialogue to address these issues.
The United States emphasizes that recent operations against cartel activities exemplify joint successes in combating organized crime. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland have reportedly been in direct communication with Mexican officials, including the FGR’s head Alejandro Gertz Manero, to assure transparency and collaboration.
In recent discussions, the focus is shifting towards improving systems that prevent miscommunication and ensuring clear protocols on jurisdictional matters. This includes a reassessment of intelligence-sharing channels and a commitment to cooperative findings on transnational crime repression, highlighting the vast improvements capable through bilateral trust and operational harmony.
This unsettled incident with “El Mayo” serves as a pivotal point for reflection and demonstrates the necessity for ongoing dialogue and negotiations underlined by mutual interests in regional stability and security. Experts suggest these events should be seen as growing pains in an ever-evolving relationship between these neighboring countries, with room for improving mechanisms that facilitate shared future endeavours.