César Jáuregui denies involvement in intervention by foreign agents in Chihuahua; says there is no evidence

Citizens, friends, and political allies gathered Tuesday evening outside the state headquarters of the National Action Party (PAN) in Chihuahua city to demand the release of former state attorney general Cesar Jauregui Moreno. The demonstration, scheduled for 5:00 p.m., coincided with the initial hearing for Jauregui regarding charges of treason against the nation at the Attorney General's Office (FGR) in Mexico City. Organizers urged authorities to allow the former official to face his federal proceedings while free, citing the presumption of innocence and due process. They argued that since a local judge had already granted him liberty in a parallel state case, the federal court should apply similar standards based on legal requirements. The central slogan of the rally was "Free Jauregui." Supporters stated they were not seeking privileges or impunity, but rather justice and respect for constitutional rights. A social media campaign using the hashtag #FreedomForCesar began circulating Monday, emphasizing that judicial decisions must rely on evidence and legal arguments rather than political pressure. Participants included party members, sympathizers, and citizens who expressed solidarity with Jauregui. The group called for a transparent investigation into the events surrounding the El Pinal operation, insisting that responsibilities be determined through lawful processes. Jauregui Moreno faces federal accusations related to the alleged irregular intervention of foreign agents in security operations in Chihuahua. Specifically, he is charged with treason in matters of national security concerning the presence of United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) personnel during a drug lab raid in El Pinal. During a judicial hearing held Sunday, October 18, 2026, before a control judge in Chihuahua, Jauregui denied participating in decisions that allowed foreign agents to intervene in the operation. In a video released by his team, he asserted that there is not a single specific reference in the investigation linking him to the intervention of foreign elements. He detailed that despite an exhaustive investigation involving testimony from more than 40 officials from the State Attorney General’s Office and other government levels, no direct evidence emerged. Jauregui claimed there were no orders, WhatsApp messages, meeting records, or functional declarations proving he instructed or decided to facilitate the presence of foreign intelligence officers. He criticized the FGR for relying on videos showing meetings with two public servants to substantiate its conclusions, noting that such interactions were routine given his role as head of the state prosecutor’s office and his frequent communication with institutional colleagues. The former official described the case as having a distinct political undertone. He warned that the situation opens a debate regarding the future of democracy and institutional independence in Mexico. Jauregui stated that the matter puts at stake values that sustain the country’s democratic development. He emphasized that cooperation with other nations is necessary but must adhere strictly to the law. Following the Sunday hearing, a local judge ruled that Jauregui could face the state-level process in freedom under precautionary measures. However, immediately after leaving the courthouse, federal authorities detained him again using a federal arrest warrant that includes the treason charge. Agents transferred him to the Altiplano prison facility. This sequence of events prompted sharp criticism from political opponents. Daniela Alvarez, president of the PAN in Chihuahua, addressed supporters at the rally. She stated that the party defends principles that distinguish it from others. While acknowledging that public servants must answer to the law, she rejected the timing of the federal detention. Alvarez questioned why the FGR acted hours after a local judge resolved the state case, labeling the move as political calculation rather than justice. She accused the ruling Morena party of turning justice into spectacle and using it as a political tool. Alvarez pointed to perceived double standards in enforcement. She referenced Ruben Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa on leave, whom US authorities have linked to drug trafficking, noting he remains at home. She also mentioned the governor of Baja California, who admitted offering information to supposed foreign agents during security tables, yet faces no investigation. Alvarez argued that this constitutes persecution of adversaries while granting immunity to allies. She concluded her remarks by stating that the true betrayal lies in agreements with organized crime, contrasting this with the current legal actions against Jauregui. The FGR maintains that Jauregui authorized the participation of foreign intelligence assets in domestic security operations, violating sovereignty. The El Pinal operation resulted in the dismantling of a synthetic drugs laboratory. Jauregui’s defense continues to argue that the evidence presented does not establish a logical causal link between his actions and the entry of foreign agents. The upcoming federal hearing will determine whether he remains in custody or is granted bail pending trial. Legal experts note that the discrepancy between the state judge’s decision and the federal detention highlights tensions in jurisdictional handling of dual criminal cases. The outcome of the Tuesday hearing in Mexico City is expected to influence the trajectory of both the federal and state investigations.