MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 25, 2024: Marina del Pilar Ávila, Governor of Baja California speaks, during the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability, held at the Ecological Park of Xochimilco. (Photo credit should read Carlos Santiago/ Pixelnews/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Baja, California – Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila confirmed over the weekend that both she and her husband, Carlos Torres, have had their U.S. visas revoked — a surprising development that has triggered political speculation and diplomatic concern between Mexico and the United States.
In a statement posted Monday, Del Pilar emphasized that revoking her visa does not imply wrongdoing. “There is no crime, there is no offense,” she said. “The reason for this measure has not been communicated, and whatever the reason, I am calm and hope that everything will be clarified.”
Del Pilar said she received notice of the revocation shortly after her husband, a former federal official and a member of the ruling Morena party, was informed of his visa cancellation via a consular message. The revocations pertain to their U.S. non-immigrant tourist visas.
Carlos Torres also addressed the situation on Facebook, writing that while he regrets the impact on his wife, he is remaining calm. “My conscience is calm and I am sure that the situation will be resolved favorably,” Torres said. He added that visa revocations for administrative reasons have become more common recently. “This procedure does not represent an accusation, investigation, or formal indication by any authority, neither in Mexico nor in the United States.”
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico declined to provide details, citing the confidentiality of visa records.
The unexpected move has raised eyebrows in both countries. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday called for answers, urging the U.S. government to clarify its reasoning. “The United States government must inform the Mexican government,” Sheinbaum said. “Information will be requested to determine the reasons why these visas are being revoked.”
Del Pilar and her husband are prominent figures in the Morena party, which currently controls Mexico’s presidency and several key governorships. The Morena Parliamentary Group in the Chamber of Deputies issued a statement backing the governor, denouncing “unfounded speculation and attempts to discredit her.”
While no allegations or investigations have been made public, the lack of transparency has led to widespread media scrutiny and political intrigue.
As of Tuesday, the U.S. government has not issued a public explanation, and it remains unclear whether this is a part of a broader review or specific concerns involving the couple.
