Mexican Official Faces Treason Charge

A former top law enforcement official in Chihuahua could be tried for treason. Federal prosecutors say César Jáuregui let U.S. agents join a mission without telling Mexico's federal government. He could face 5 to 40 years in prison if convicted.

The case starts with a drug lab raid in April. The operation took place on April 19 in the mountains of Morelos. Two state officials and two Americans died when a vehicle in the convoy went off the road. It fell into a ravine. Jáuregui said the Americans were 'instructor officers' there for training. He called the lab 'one of the largest sites found in the country where chemical drugs were produced.' No arrests were made because the suspects ran.

Jáuregui later left his post. He said he wanted to help the investigation. He was arrested on Oct. 17. He faces state charges of illegal exercise of public office. A judge ruled Thursday those charges can proceed to trial. Federal officials then brought the treason case. A federal judge is set to rule on Saturday about whether the indictment can move forward.

Prosecutors say Jáuregui put national security at risk. He approved U.S. agents for a field operation. That kind of call is reserved for the federal government. His defense lawyer said prosecutors told a closed hearing they want an example made of him. The goal, they said, is to stop a repeat of the U.S. removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. State Department said it is watching the case. It did not tie the matter to the CIA deaths.

Many experts doubt the charge will hold up. Samuel González, a former chief prosecutor for organized crime, said Jáuregui may have failed in his duties. He said Jáuregui should have told federal authorities or barred foreign agents from carrying weapons. But he said that does not amount to treason, which he called a wartime crime. Carlos Pérez Ricart of the CIDE university said the case would draw major attention even if dismissed. He called it a political choice ahead of the 2027 midterm elections. He warned it 'sends a very bad signal to Washington.'

The role of the Americans remains unclear. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson called them 'embassy personnel.' Other sources told CBS News they were CIA agents. The CIA did not comment. Mexico's security ministry said one entered as a visitor. The other used a diplomatic passport. It said neither had accreditation for operational work. Two other U.S. agents in a separate car were sent home. Sheinbaum said none had permission to work in Mexico.

U.S. agencies have worked in Mexico for years. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador limited those activities. Sheinbaum changed the Constitution to stop field operations without express approval. Pérez Ricart said such actions have often happened without federal knowledge. He said unclear rules can lead to abuses.