On August 13, 2025, a U.S. drone was detected flying over Valle de Bravo, a mountainous region in the State of Mexico known for its strategic location near cartel-controlled territories. The aircraft, identified as a General Atomics MQ-9B Guardian with the registration CBP-113, is operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Air Force. It reportedly departed from San Angelo, Texas, and conducted surveillance flights over the municipalities of Zacazonapan and Valle de Bravo at an altitude of 24,000 feet.
The drone’s presence sparked immediate speculation and concern, especially given the area’s proximity to routes used by the criminal organization La Familia Michoacana. However, Mexican officials quickly addressed the situation. Omar GarcÃa Harfuch, head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), clarified that the drone was operating under a formal request from a Mexican government institution. He emphasized that it was not a military aircraft, but rather an unmanned aerial vehicle deployed in support of domestic investigations.
President Claudia Sheinbaum also responded during her daily press briefing, denying claims that the CIA was conducting unauthorized drone operations in Mexico. She reaffirmed that any foreign aircraft operating in Mexican airspace must do so under strict coordination and with explicit permission from the Mexican government. Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico’s sovereignty would never be compromised, and that such collaborations are part of established bilateral frameworks.
The incident highlights ongoing cooperation between Mexico and the United States in combating organized crime, while also raising questions about transparency and the limits of foreign surveillance in sovereign territory.
With information from Aristegui Noticias
