On December 3, 2025, the United States government revoked the visa of José Luis Dagnino, the Morena party mayor of San Felipe, Baja California, citing concerns over alleged links to migrant smuggling networks operating along the northern border. The decision was confirmed by the U.S. Department of State, which announced that Dagnino and several members of his immediate family are now barred from entering U.S. territory.
According to U.S. officials, the measure was taken under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows visa restrictions against foreign officials suspected of involvement in corruption or activities that undermine U.S. foreign policy. While no formal charges have been filed against Dagnino in Mexico, American authorities allege that his administration turned a blind eye to smuggling operations in the port city of San Felipe, a growing transit point for irregular migration.
The announcement has sparked controversy in Baja California, where Dagnino was elected in 2022 under the banner of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s Morena party. Supporters of the mayor denounced the move as politically motivated, while critics argue that the revocation highlights the need for greater accountability among local officials.
Dagnino has not yet issued a public statement, though sources close to the municipal government indicated he intends to remain in office despite the diplomatic fallout. Mexican federal authorities have also remained silent, fueling speculation about whether the case could strain bilateral cooperation on migration enforcement.
Analysts note that the visa cancellation reflects Washington’s broader strategy of targeting officials suspected of enabling smuggling networks, part of a regional crackdown on irregular migration. For San Felipe, the controversy underscores the city’s growing role in cross-border dynamics and the political risks facing local leaders.
Source: Grupo Formula
