On January 10, 2026, Mexican authorities confirmed the detention of Alejandra Ang Hernández, a congresswoman from the ruling Morena party, after she was stopped at the U.S.–Mexico border crossing in Laredo, Texas. Hernández was found carrying US$20,000 in cash, which she allegedly failed to declare or provide a clear explanation for.
The incident occurred during a routine inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, who flagged the undeclared currency while Hernández attempted to cross into Texas. According to official reports, the congresswoman was unable to present documentation or justification for the funds, raising suspicions of possible money laundering or illicit financial activity.
Hernández was detained for questioning and later handed over to Mexican authorities under bilateral cooperation agreements. The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) in Mexico has since opened an investigation into the origin of the money and whether it was linked to political corruption, organized crime, or personal misconduct.
The case has sparked controversy in Mexico’s political landscape, as Hernández is a sitting member of Congress representing Quintana Roo. Opposition parties have demanded transparency and accountability, calling for her immediate suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. Morena’s leadership has stated that it will cooperate fully with authorities but urged against premature judgments until due process is completed.
Legal experts note that transporting more than US$10,000 across international borders without declaration violates both U.S. and Mexican financial regulations. If convicted of related offenses, Hernández could face criminal charges, fines, and removal from office.
The detention underscores ongoing concerns about corruption and illicit financial flows within Mexico’s political system, highlighting the challenges of enforcing transparency among public officials. Investigations are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with Hernández’s political future hanging in the balance.
Source: OEM
