Sheinbaum réagit à la réapparition de Cabeza de Vaca dans un match aux États-Unis; "s'il était au Mexique, il serait arrêté", dit-il

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo responded forcefully to the recent appearance of former Tamaulipas governor Francisco García Cabeza de Vaca at a political event in the United States, calling him a fugitive from justice. Speaking during her morning press conference on Wednesday, July 15, in Mexico City, Sheinbaum addressed the presence of Cabeza de Vaca alongside former Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s son-in-law, Javier Lozano, at a match between France and Spain in Dallas. She emphasized that if the ex-governor were in Mexico, he would already have been detained. Sheinbaum noted that Cabeza de Vaca holds dual nationality, Mexican and American, and currently resides in the U.S. She stated that Mexico has formally requested his extradition following a court ruling that rejected his legal challenge against the government. Despite this, the U.S. authorities have yet to respond to the extradition request. “If he were in Mexico, the order for his arrest would have already been carried out,” she said, adding that his status as a fugitive from justice is well established. The president reiterated that Cabeza de Vaca is a known evader of the law, describing his situation as “a fact.” She warned against supporting candidates who might align with such figures, suggesting that they could be associated with individuals under investigation or wanted by the judicial system. Her remarks came amid ongoing discussions about political alliances and candidate endorsements ahead of upcoming elections. Cabeza de Vaca, once a prominent figure in Mexican politics, was implicated in corruption scandals and faced charges related to misuse of public funds. He was removed from office in 2019 after being accused of misusing state resources while serving as governor of Tamaulipas. His legal troubles continued into the following years, leading to multiple investigations and eventual exile abroad. The Mexican judiciary has consistently pursued his case, though international cooperation has proven challenging due to diplomatic complexities. In the U.S., Cabeza de Vaca has remained active in political circles, often associating himself with conservative factions and former leaders. His recent participation in the France-España match in Dallas, attended by high-profile political figures, underscores his continued influence despite his legal status. The event drew attention not only for its sporting significance but also for its potential implications in shaping political narratives. Mexico’s efforts to secure his extradition reflect broader concerns about the rule of law and the enforcement of legal decisions across borders. While diplomatic channels remain open, the lack of progress highlights the difficulties in resolving transnational legal matters. The president’s comments suggest a firm stance against figures who evade accountability, reinforcing the importance of legal compliance in political life. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the role of individuals like Cabeza de Vaca remains a subject of scrutiny. His presence in the U.S. raises questions about the effectiveness of legal mechanisms in ensuring justice for those who flee the country. Meanwhile, the Mexican government continues to pursue legal avenues to address outstanding cases, emphasizing the need for consistent enforcement of judicial outcomes.