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-Editorial
The recent revocation of non-immigrant U.S. visas (B1/B2) for Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and her husband, Carlos Torres Torres, has sparked public debate and generated political and social reactions on both sides of the border. While both individuals have addressed the matter with openness through personal statements, the lack of official information from the U.S. government has led to speculation, demands for transparency, and a general atmosphere of uncertainty.
Carlos Torres was the first to publicly acknowledge the revocation of his visa, clarifying that he is not under investigation or facing any charges in either Mexico or the United States. He emphasized that he is consulting with specialized legal counsel to explore formal avenues for reconsidering the decision or applying for a new visa. Shortly thereafter, Governor Ávila Olmeda confirmed that she had received a similar notification and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved favorably.
In her statement, the governor not only reiterated her support for her husband but also underscored her moral and political commitment to him, emphasizing that they remain focused on their work for the people of Baja California. Nevertheless, while the revocation may be attributed to administrative or discretionary criteria of the U.S. State Department, it does not occur in a vacuum. Given her public stature, it inevitably affects public perception.
The National Action Party (PAN) in Mexicali swiftly demanded answers. Its local president, Vicky Quiñonez, called on the governor to publicly clarify whether there is any connection to U.S. agencies such as the DEA, stressing that transparency is necessary not only to prevent speculation but also to protect the institutional integrity of the state government. She also questioned whether other municipal officials, such as Mexicali Mayor Norma Bustamante, may be facing similar issues, suggesting that citizens have a right to know before such matters are revealed by external entities like banks or federal agencies.
The situation grew more tense following media reports that, in May 2024, a man identified as Carlos Torres Torres was allegedly detained in San Diego for attempting to smuggle drugs into the United States and was handed over to the DEA. While it has not been officially confirmed that it is the same individual, the lack of formal denial or clarification has only intensified pressure on state authorities.
For its part, the Morena parliamentary group in Baja California has rallied in support of the governor. In a public statement, lawmakers highlighted the achievements of her administration in areas such as social programs, infrastructure, and security coordination, reiterating their confidence in her integrity and transparency. They also called on the U.S. government to publicly clarify the reasons behind the consular decision.
From the National Palace, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the matter with caution: “We learned about it from the governor’s statement, and we will wait to receive more information; let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” She noted that the federal government has not been formally notified of any investigation and emphasized the importance of binational cooperation.
In a press conference held late Monday night to address recent reports regarding the revocation of her U.S. visa, Avila Olmeda firmly stated that she has nothing to fear and emphasized that no crime has been committed. The governor explained that the decision by the U.S. State Department was purely administrative and assured the public that she remains at peace. “Those looking to find wrongdoing or a crime on my part will find nothing, because there is nothing to investigate,” she declared. Avila Olmeda reaffirmed her commitment to the people of Baja California, stating that her government will continue providing services with the same dedication and efficiency. Although she admitted to being surprised by the news, she stressed that it would not distract her from her responsibilities. “I consider this matter closed,” she concluded, “as I continue my work at the helm of the state government.
The revocation of visas for Mexican public officials is not unprecedented. During the Trump administration, several former governors—such as Roberto Sandoval (Nayarit), Javier Duarte (Veracruz), and Tomás Yarrington (Tamaulipas)—had their U.S. entry permits canceled, in some cases due to formal accusations of corruption and ties to organized crime. However, in most cases, these decisions were handled with a high level of secrecy due to the U.S. State Department’s legal privacy restrictions.
Unlike those cases, Marina del Pilar and Carlos Torres are not currently facing any legal charges. Nonetheless, the political and media precedent has amplified calls for transparency. The public deserves to know whether this revocation stems from administrative reasons, individual errors, or a more serious underlying issue that has yet to be revealed.
The border that connects Baja California with the United States is not only geographical—it is political, economic, cultural, and symbolic. Governing a region like this demands the highest level of transparency and impeccable ethical conduct. If, as stated, this is merely the result of a consular procedure without accusations, then there is nothing to fear. But if there are unresolved elements, the only proper course is truth.
Public trust is built on facts—not silence. And today, more than ever, Baja California needs clarity.