Mexico accuses ex-U.S. ambassador Ken Salazar of misleading over cartel capture

FBI aircraft display cited as evidence in diplomatic dispute

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office on Thursday formally accused former U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar of violating his diplomatic duties by allegedly misleading Mexican authorities about the 2024 capture of alleged Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, according to a statement from the office.

The accusation alleges that Salazar knowingly made false statements when he said U.S. agencies had not participated in the operation that led to Zambada’s capture and transfer in July 2024. Attorney General Ernestina Godoy said Salazar had told the Mexican government that the operation was “not a U.S. aircraft, nor its pilot, nor its agents or personnel in Mexico, but rather an operation between cartels.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum backed the Attorney General’s Office on Thursday, saying the former ambassador misled the Mexican government by insisting that U.S. agencies had no role in the operation. Sheinbaum said Mexico’s consulate in New Mexico directly verified that the aircraft used in the operation was on display at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa, N.M.

According to reports by Mexican media outlets Milenio and Azteca Noticias, the FBI recently displayed the aircraft at the museum, describing it as an FBI success. Sheinbaum said the consulate’s verification corroborated the media reports.

The Attorney General’s Office also said it had identified the pilot who flew the aircraft that transported Zambada. Although authorities did not name the individual, Mexican media reported the pilot may be Mauro Núñez, also known as “El Jando,” who is described as a trusted pilot for Los Chapitos, the faction of the Sinaloa cartel led by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Mexican media reported that “El Jando” is facing proceedings in federal court in Washington.

The office also pointed to what it described as a causal link between judicial benefits granted in the United States to Ovidio Guzmán López, one of Guzmán’s sons, and Zambada’s alleged kidnapping on Mexican territory. Mexican authorities contended the events were not coincidental but rather part of a coordinated strategy and an unlawful agreement between Los Chapitos and U.S. agencies, primarily the FBI.

Officials from the Attorney General’s Office said that while they could establish Salazar’s responsibility for withholding information, he would not face criminal consequences because he is protected by diplomatic immunity.

Salazar rejected the allegations in a statement posted on social media, reiterating the position he maintained while serving as ambassador. “It was not our plane, not our pilot and not our operation,” Salazar wrote.

The dispute comes as excerpts from Salazar’s forthcoming memoir, “The Borders: My Fight for an Inclusive United States,” have begun circulating, prompting additional friction with the Mexican government.