Mexico City. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced Monday, February 16, 2026, that her administration will formally protest the United Kingdom’s decision to grant political asylum to Karime Macías Tubilla. Macías Tubilla is the ex-wife of Javier Duarte Ochoa, the former governor of Veracruz, and is currently facing an arrest warrant in Mexico related to allegations of embezzlement through shell companies.
Speaking at a regular press conference, President Sheinbaum stated that, as of Monday, the UK government had not yet officially notified Mexican authorities of its decision to grant Macías Tubilla asylum. The move effectively prevents her extradition to Mexico, where she is wanted on criminal charges.
“We are obviously not in agreement with this decision,” Sheinbaum said, referring to the UK’s granting of asylum to Macías Tubilla, who remains a fugitive from Mexican law enforcement. The case underscores the complexities of international extradition and the challenges faced by Mexico in pursuing legal cases against individuals seeking refuge abroad.
The President indicated that her government will communicate its concerns directly to British authorities regarding the matter.
