The governor of Chihuahua, María Eugenia Campos, went to the facilities of the Attorney General's Office in Mexico City after being summoned as a witness in the investigation into a controversial anti-drug operation in which US agents, allegedly linked to the CIA, had participated in Mexican territory.

The state president, known politically as Maru Campos, appeared accompanied by her lawyer, Roberto Gil Zuarth, as well as leaders and legislators of the opposition National Action Party. However, he submitted a document to refuse to give a statement, arguing that he has constitutional immunity due to the position he holds.

The federal investigation originated after an operation carried out on April 17 and 18 in the Sierra del Pinal, in the municipality of Morelos, Chihuahua, where state authorities dismantled an alleged drug laboratory. After the deployment, two US agents died in a vehicle accident, sparking questions about the possible participation of foreign personnel without formal authorization from the Mexican federal government.

In the document delivered to the FGR, Campos maintained that the summons presented legal inconsistencies and assured that he did not appear to undergo any act of personal investigation.

“I do not appear to give an interview as a witness or to subject myself to any act of investigation,” the governor said in the letter released by her team.

Accuses attempt to fabricate a case

Before entering the prosecutor's office headquarters, Campos launched direct criticism against the federal authorities and accused alleged political use of the institutions.

“I am summoned under the pretense of being a witness, but with the purpose of fabricating a case and making me the accused,” she declared to the media.

The PAN leader also stated that there is an atmosphere of “authoritarianism” and maintained that the federal authorities did not respect the constitutional protection of her position. In his statements, he compared the treatment received with the actions of the federal government in the face of allegations of alleged links between officials from other states and organized crime.

Her lawyer, Roberto Gil Zuarth, argued that the FGR lacks the power to force the governor to appear while maintaining constitutional jurisdiction. Furthermore, he questioned the wording of the summons, considering that it mixed legal references applicable to both witnesses and defendants.

“Constitutional immunity serves precisely to resist this type of criminal harassment against a public servant,” said the former senator.

The case increases political and bilateral tension

The appearance occurs in the midst of a growing debate in Mexico about the participation of US agencies in security operations within the country.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed this week that four US agents were involved in the operation in Chihuahua. As he explained, two died in the subsequent accident and the other two left Mexico after their government requested information about their presence.

The case caused diplomatic friction between Mexico and the United States, after the Mexican government questioned the actions of the foreign agents and asked Washington for explanations about the operation.

The FGR maintains an open investigation folder for possible violations of national security legislation and for the alleged improper exercise of public service, due to the possibility that foreign agents have participated in operations within Mexico without official authorization from the federation.

During Campos' appearance, PAN leaders such as Ricardo Anaya and Jorge Romero came to support her. Attendees wore badges with the phrase “Yo con Maru”, in a show of political support for the Chihuahua governor.