Former U.S. Envoy Defends Zambada Capture, Stirs Mexico Sovereignty Row

Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, in a radio interview promoting his upcoming Spanish-language book, reiterated that the 2023 capture and extradition of drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada to the United States should have been celebrated by Mexico as a victory. He argued that Mexico should have publicly framed the event as a positive step for national security. Salazar maintained that neither he nor the Biden administration had prior knowledge of the operation, which involved the kidnapping of Zambada by another cartel figure. The remarks have reignited controversy over the violation of Mexican sovereignty and the subsequent escalation of cartel violence. The interview was conducted on W Radio with journalist Gabriela Warkentin, and the book, titled 'Fronteras, mi lucha por una América unida,' is set to be published in Spanish. Critics, including Mexican officials, have condemned Salazar's stance as dismissive of the operation's illegal nature and its destabilizing consequences.

Global Impact

Politically, the remarks could deepen the diplomatic rift between Mexico and the U.S., complicating joint efforts on migration, fentanyl trafficking, and trade under the USMCA. Socially, the glorification of the operation may inflame nationalist sentiment in Mexico and undermine public trust in the U.S. as a partner.