Overview
- President Claudia Sheinbaum said the flight had clearance since October, authorized by the Defense Ministry, and no U.S. troops entered Mexican territory.
- The government stated the aircraft transported Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana personnel to the United States for training expected to last about a month, with their return planned on a Mexican Air Force plane.
- The Security Cabinet said the operation followed established protocols and bilateral agreements, and Sheinbaum noted the instruction falls under U.S. Northern Command programs.
- Following an FAA notice about potential military activity over Pacific flight regions, Mexican authorities verified there were no operations or overflights in national airspace before issuing their statement.
- Flight data show a C-130J departed Dyess Air Force Base and landed in Toluca at 14:46 on January 17 before flying to Brownsville, while opposition senators from Movimiento Ciudadano demanded clarity on the authorization process given the Senate has not voted on foreign troop entry.