Mexico demands federal approval for US participation in Querétaro police academy

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on October 6 that the state government of Querétaro must obtain federal authorization before involving United States agencies in a new international police academy. This directive follows the state's recent initiative to establish a training facility in collaboration with U.S. officials, including the participation of Ambassador Ronald Johnson during the project's groundbreaking ceremony.

The federal government's intervention has prompted political criticism within Querétaro. Santiago Nieto Castillo, the state coordinator for the Morena party, publicly condemned the state administration's actions, characterizing the cooperation with U.S. entities as a form of submission. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding the extent of state-level autonomy in managing international security partnerships versus federal oversight.