The mayor of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, and member of the Morena political party, Óscar Eduardo Castro Castro, recently had his U.S. tourist visa revoked while attempting to cross the border into Arizona with his family. The incident occurred at the Lukeville port of entry, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents informed the mayor that his visa—and those of his wife and children—were no longer valid.
This development came just weeks after Castro publicly denied rumors about visa issues, calling them “fake news” in a video message to his constituents. In that video, he expressed frustration over what he described as a smear campaign aimed at undermining his credibility. However, the revocation was confirmed by multiple local media outlets, contradicting his earlier statements.
While U.S. authorities have not disclosed the specific reasons behind the visa cancellation, sources suggest it may be linked to an ongoing investigation. No formal charges or public accusations have been made against the mayor, and the Mexican federal or state governments have not issued official responses regarding the matter.
Puerto Peñasco, also known as “Rocky Point,” is a popular beach destination for American tourists, particularly from Arizona. The city’s economy heavily depends on cross-border tourism, making the visa revocation of its top official especially significant. The incident adds to a growing list of Mexican public figures reportedly facing increased scrutiny from U.S. immigration authorities in recent months.
As of now, Mayor Castro has not issued a new public statement addressing the visa revocation. The situation remains fluid, and further developments may shed light on the broader implications for local governance and U.S.-Mexico relations in the region. For now, the silence from both sides of the border leaves room for speculation and concern.
Source: La Jornada
