The federal government’s security cabinet, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, is keeping the Governor of Durango—PRI member Esteban Villegas—under strict investigation. According to information revealed by journalist Carlos Loret de Mola, federal authorities and U.S. agencies are investigating an alleged pact between the state governor and organized crime aimed at maintaining a stable criminal landscape in the region—a strategy known as “pax narca.”
High-level sources within the federal security apparatus indicate that alarm bells rang due to the Durango authorities’ lack of cooperation in federal operations, a stance that contrasted sharply with the conduct of other opposition governors.
“La Mayiza’s” refuge in Durango undermines the Sinaloa strategy
Distrust of Governor Esteban Villegas intensified when the violence in Sinaloa began to impact national security. Investigations reveal that cartel bosses from the faction led by Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada—who had been operating in Culiacán—found sanctuary in the neighboring state.
“The narcos waging war in Culiacán would cross over to live under protection in Durango. Specifically, the narcos who remained to run Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada García’s faction: his son, Ismael Zambada Sicairos (alias ‘Mayito Flaco’), and Alfonso ‘Poncho’ Limón, his right-hand man,” the columnist details.
This movement of high-priority targets—sought by the federal government—into Durango territory hindered strategic efforts to pacify the region. Intelligence reports from Sheinbaum’s cabinet suggest that in Durango, “operations stalled, actions failed, arrests weren’t made, and officials dragged their feet,” effectively turning the state into a safe haven for “La Mayiza” in alliance with the local criminal group “Los Cabrera.”
The situation for the Durango governor took an international turn after the U.S. government formally requested information regarding his activities from Mexican authorities. In contrast to the secrecy and institutional defensiveness displayed regarding the case of Rubén Rocha Moya—the Morena governor of Sinaloa currently on leave—Sheinbaum’s administration has adopted a stance of total openness with U.S. agencies regarding the PRI member.
“Unlike their actions in the case of the Sinaloa governor—Morena’s Rubén Rocha Moya—Mexican authorities have been notably cooperative and diligent with the Americans. Regarding Rocha: nothing. Regarding Villegas: whatever they wanted,” states Loret de Mola.
Law enforcement sources indicate that the Department of Justice and the DEA possess testimony from captured members of the Sinaloa Cartel detailing the network of political ties within the “Golden Triangle” (the region connecting Sinaloa, Durango, and Chihuahua). Given this, the reactivation of legal proceedings against Villegas in the United States could materialize in the near future.
Potential U.S. legal action against Esteban Villegas represents a significant political juncture for President Claudia Sheinbaum. While Donald Trump’s U.S. administration has avoided directly confronting the federal leader—or former President López Obrador—over the situation involving the implicated Morena politicians, the downfall of an opposition governor would alter the political landscape.
For the federal administration, the resolution of this case in U.S. courts would validate its strategy and serve as a counterweight to the security-related criticisms that have plagued state governments within its own party.
Source: informador
