On August 7, 2025, Juan Francisco Gim Nogales, the mayor of Nogales, Sonora, and a member of the MORENA political party, confirmed via social media that the United States government had revoked his visa. The announcement came after Gim was reportedly detained for several hours at the Dennis DeConcini border crossing while attempting to enter the U.S. on August 5.
Gim, a member of the Morena party and the first mayor in Nogales’ recent history to be reelected (in 2024), stated that the cancellation was part of an “administrative process” and emphasized that he had not been accused of any wrongdoing. “I maintain my tranquility and peace of mind,” he said, urging the public not to politicize the situation.
The revocation comes amid a broader trend of U.S. visa cancellations targeting Mexican politicians, particularly those affiliated with Morena. While no official reason was provided, speculation has grown due to Gim’s controversial remarks in June 2025 during an interview with Fox News, where he expressed support for Donald Trump’s immigration policies, stating that “the U.S. is cleaning house”.
Political Implications
The incident adds to mounting tensions between Mexican officials and U.S. immigration authorities. Gim joins a growing list of Morena figures—including governors and municipal leaders—whose visas have been revoked in recent months. The lack of transparency surrounding these decisions has fueled debate over whether political statements or alleged ties to corruption are influencing U.S. policy.
Despite the setback, Gim affirmed his commitment to continue working from his office in Nogales, participating in binational meetings and addressing local issues. His case underscores the increasingly complex relationship between Mexican political figures and U.S. immigration enforcement.
Source: El Universal
