César Jáuregui Resigns as Chihuahua Prosecutor Amid CIA Scandal Fallout

Chihuahua’s top prosecutor has resigned following a controversial operation involving U.S. Intelligence agents that left multiple officials dead, marking a significant shake-up in Mexico’s ongoing battle against drug cartels.

César Jáuregui Moreno announced his immediate departure as the state’s attorney general late Monday, taking full responsibility for what he called institutional oversights in the handling of the operation. The incident has sparked tensions over sovereignty and transparency in cross-border law enforcement efforts.

Prosecutor Steps Down Amid Fallout Over CIA-Linked Operation

In a press conference Tuesday, Jáuregui acknowledged that the presence of U.S. Agents—believed to be affiliated with the CIA—was not properly reported through official channels, creating what he described as a breakdown in communication and control.

“With full respect for transparency, I present my irrevocable resignation from my position as attorney general of the state. My actions have always prioritized the protection of society and the full force of the state to confront organized crime.”

The controversy centers on an April 19 operation in the mountainous region of Sierra Tarahumara, where two U.S. Agents and two Mexican officials died in a vehicle accident. The operation targeted a massive synthetic drug lab in Morelos, Chihuahua, which authorities described as one of the largest ever dismantled in Mexico.

According to Wendy Chávez, head of a special investigative unit within the Chihuahua prosecutor’s office, the U.S. Agents were working unofficially with Pedro Oseguera, director of the state’s investigative agency, who also died in the crash. Chávez noted that the foreign agents were unarmed and had their faces covered during the operation, raising questions about their role and the lack of formal coordination.

Resignation Aims to Restore Public Trust

Jáuregui framed his decision as necessary to allow an independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing that the pursuit of results against organized crime must never approach at the expense of legal protocols or national sovereignty.

“The demand for results in the fight against organized crime cannot and must not justify actions that do not strictly adhere to the law. For consistency with my principles and convictions, I understand that the most appropriate measure to correct this situation is to step aside.”

His resignation was submitted to Chihuahua Governor María Eugenia Campos Galván and takes effect immediately. The move comes as Mexican authorities face scrutiny over the extent of U.S. Involvement in domestic operations, a sensitive issue in a country where foreign intervention has historically been a contentious topic.

Operation Uncovered Massive Drug Lab

Despite the political fallout, Jáuregui highlighted the operation’s success in dismantling a major drug production facility. Video released by the Chihuahua prosecutor’s office showed large quantities of chemical reactors, gas tanks, and barrels—equipment used in the manufacturing of synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson acknowledged the deaths in a statement on social media, praising the bravery of both Mexican and American officials working to combat drug trafficking. The embassy had previously confirmed the agents’ deaths but provided few details about their mission.

The case underscores the delicate balance between cooperation and sovereignty in U.S.-Mexico security efforts, particularly as both nations grapple with the escalating violence and production capacity of cartels. Jáuregui’s departure leaves a critical leadership gap in Chihuahua, a state long plagued by cartel activity and cross-border crime.