The Morena mayor of Matamoros, Alberto Granados, was detained this Thursday by U.S. authorities while attempting to enter Texas through the Brownsville border crossing.
The detention involved the DEA, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security and caused panic in the close circle of Américo Villarreal. The Morena governor has been accused of alleged links to organized crime.
Granados was subjected to an extensive interrogation in a closed room. Although he was released during the early morning, his visa was revoked and he was sent back to Mexico. The mayor attempted to calm the waters with a public appearance on Friday, but canceled a key event at the last minute, increasing speculation.
The detention is not an isolated incident. During the interrogation, U.S. agents questioned Granados about the financing of Villarreal's campaign in 2021.
They also asked him about his son, known as "Ameriquín," one of his trusted operators, and Mario Delgado, current Secretary of Education and key promoter of Villarreal.
