US Revokes Visas for Mexican Governor, Husband Amid Money Laundering Probe

Marina del Pilar Avila, the governor of Baja California, Mexico, and her husband Carlos Torres have had their U.S. tourist visas revoked by the Trump administration amid an ongoing Justice Department investigation into alleged money laundering linked to a drug cartel. The investigation, which began last year, also led to the closure of their U.S. bank accounts at Bank of America and Wells Fargo due to suspicious activity. Despite the revocation, Torres has emphasized that this action does not constitute a formal accusation or investigation by either U.S. or Mexican authorities and is a common administrative measure by the U.S. State Department. Both Avila and Torres have publicly denied any wrongdoing, with Torres asserting that he has retained an international immigration lawyer to challenge the visa decision through official legal channels. Avila's office has dismissed previous allegations connecting her to cartel figures, highlighting her extensive public and political engagements with domestic and international leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. They have expressed concern over potential political misuse of the situation and remain confident in addressing the matter through legal procedures.