The U.S. State Department is conducting a review of all 53 Mexican consulates in the United States, a move that could result in the closure of some diplomatic offices. The review was confirmed by a State Department official on Thursday, though no specific reason was provided. The consulates, the largest foreign diplomatic network in the U.S., serve millions of Mexican citizens by providing identification documents, legal assistance, and other services.
The review comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, including recent incidents involving U.S. intelligence operations in Mexico and indictments against Mexican officials. In late June, two CIA officers died in a car crash during a counter-narcotics operation in Chihuahua, Mexico, alongside two Mexican law enforcement officials. The incident sparked anger from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who demanded an explanation from the Trump administration and considered sanctioning the state of Chihuahua.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against 10 current and former Mexican officials, including a top ally of Sheinbaum, on drug-trafficking charges. The governor of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha Moya, was named as the first defendant, accused of aiding the Sinaloa cartel in exchange for political support and bribes. Sheinbaum has requested evidence from the U.S. before considering the extradition of the indicted officials.
The State Department framed the consulate review as part of a broader effort to align U.S. foreign policy with the Trump administration's 'America First' agenda. Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, stated that the department regularly reviews foreign relations to advance American interests. The review follows similar actions taken against diplomatic facilities from China and Russia in recent years, often during periods of heightened tensions.
Mexico's extensive consular network is concentrated in border states and cities with large Mexican-American populations, including California, Texas, and Arizona. The potential closure of consulates could disrupt services for millions of Mexican citizens living in the U.S., raising concerns about the impact on diplomatic relations and consular support.