The United States has revoked the visa of Alex Tonatiuh Márquez Hernández, Director General of Customs Investigation at Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM), intensifying scrutiny of Mexican officials amid growing bilateral tensions.
On December 4, 2025, U.S. authorities confirmed the cancellation of Márquez Hernández’s visa, a move that places him among a growing list of Mexican officials barred from entering the country this year. The decision was communicated directly to Márquez Hernández without a public hearing, in line with administrative procedures of the U.S. Department of State.
Márquez Hernández, who has served as Director General of Customs Investigation since February 2025, is responsible for overseeing probes into tax evasion, smuggling, and illicit trade at Mexico’s borders. His office has been particularly active in investigating “huachicol fiscal,” or large-scale fuel tax fraud, a crime that has cost Mexico billions of pesos annually.
While U.S. officials have not disclosed the specific reasons behind the visa cancellation, the measure is part of a broader review targeting political figures and public servants suspected of links to corruption or organized crime. Analysts note that the revocation reflects Washington’s increasing use of visa restrictions as a diplomatic tool to pressure Mexico on issues of transparency and enforcement.
The Mexican government has yet to issue an official response, though the case has sparked debate over whether the move undermines bilateral cooperation on customs enforcement. Critics argue that targeting senior officials could weaken joint efforts against smuggling networks, while others see it as a necessary step to ensure accountability.
As the controversy unfolds, Márquez Hernández remains in his post at ANAM, but his exclusion from U.S. territory raises questions about the future of cross-border collaboration in customs investigations.
