Deaths of 2 CIA agents in Mexico lead to treason charges against former state attorney general

October 23, 2026 / 7:07 AM EDT / CBS/AP

A former Mexican state attorney general could face trial for treason over accusations that he illegally launched a joint operation with the CIA without telling the federal government.

The operation to dismantle a drug lab in the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico in April drew attention after two CIA agents and two state officials died in a car accident on their way back.

That raised questions about the Trump administration's actions on Mexican soil, and outraged President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has made a strong defense of national sovereignty a centerpiece of her administration. The state district attorney, César Jáuregui, resigned, saying he wanted to clear the way for an inquiry into the operation.

He was arrested Oct. 17 on state charges of illegal exercise of public office, which a judge ruled Thursday can go to trial. Federal officials later added the treason charge, and a federal judge will decide Saturday whether to allow the indictment.

Earlier this year, a statement from Mexico's Ministry of Security said one U.S. agent entered Mexico as a visitor while the other entered with a diplomatic passport.

"None had formal accreditation to participate in operational…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/