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
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn