What started as just another campaign trail moment in 2019—smiling for photos, shaking hands, and greeting voters—has suddenly sparked an international headache for Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila.
A resurfaced photograph from her mayoral run in Mexicali has reportedly led to the revocation of her U.S. tourist visa, along with her husband’s.
And the reason? The man she was hugging in that photo is allegedly tied to one of Mexico’s most feared drug cartels.
The Picture That Raised Eyebrows
The image in question shows del Pilar embracing Emmanuel “El Botas” Serrano, a man who’s believed to report directly to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada—one of the top bosses of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
Although the photo began making the rounds back in 2022, her office quickly dismissed any implication of wrongdoing.
Their defense? It’s just politics.
“During campaigns, it’s common for candidates to take pictures with hundreds of people they don’t personally know,” the statement read.
“This was one of those moments.”
No Explanation, But a Big Consequence
Fast forward to 2024, and both del Pilar and her husband, Carlos Torres, are now without valid U.S. visas.
While del Pilar didn’t explain much in her post on X (formerly Twitter), Torres took to Facebook with a more detailed reaction, insisting this move isn’t tied to any formal investigation or criminal accusation.
He claims the revocation stems from behind-the-scenes protocol shifts within the U.S. State Department and is not unique to them.
According to him, it’s part of a wider pattern affecting others in similar positions.
Political Fallout and Fierce Pushback
Not surprisingly, Mexican lawmakers aligned with the ruling Morena party—of which del Pilar and Torres are members—came out swinging.
They accused political opponents of exploiting the situation to smear the governor’s name.
“The conservatives are spreading malicious speculation,” said Senator Adán López in a fiery statement defending the governor.
“We stand firmly behind Marina del Pilar and her family.”
A Pattern of Tension Between U.S. and Mexico
The timing couldn’t be more sensitive.
Just recently, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said he too had his U.S. visa revoked under the Trump administration, adding to the pattern of strained diplomatic interactions.
To make matters more complicated, Trump has been in a heated back-and-forth with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, criticizing her refusal to let U.S. troops assist in cartel crackdowns.
Trump even accused her of being “afraid of the cartels”—a statement that struck a nerve within the Morena ranks.
Legal Options on the Table
As for next steps, Torres says he’s brought in an international immigration lawyer to explore whether they can appeal or reapply for their visas.
He’s adamant that everything will be handled through legal channels and stressed his own record of lawful public service.
“I’ve always operated with respect for the law,” Torres wrote, adding that political opponents were weaponizing the situation.
“They’ll turn anything into slander if they think it gives them an edge.”
A Public Show of Support
Governor del Pilar isn’t backing down either.
She made it clear she stands by her husband—personally, morally, and politically.
In her words, “He has always acted with integrity and deep dedication to Baja California.”
She added that the whole issue was unfolding in a “complex binational context” and urged for calm and patience, stating her belief that everything would eventually be cleared up.
San Diego One Day, Banned the Next
The irony? Just weeks before this visa drama erupted, del Pilar had been promoting Mexican tourism during a visit to San Diego.
Now, she’s banned from entering the country altogether—despite no charges or formal wrongdoing being linked to her.
Stricter Visa Rules Under Trump
The broader context includes the Trump administration’s sharp crackdown on visa approvals.
Just recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed diplomats to flag social media activity that appeared critical of the U.S. or Israel.
And on April 30, Rubio unveiled a new “one-strike” rule: any visa holder caught breaking U.S. laws or expressing support for terrorism would have their status revoked—no second chances.
What’s Next?
As of now, it remains unclear whether del Pilar and her husband will get their visas back or if this diplomatic standoff will escalate further.
But with politics, cartels, and international relations all tangled up in one photo op, it’s safe to say this story isn’t over yet.