FBI Director Kash Patel’s comments about the arrest of Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder accused of running a cocaine network linked to a cartel, sparked a diplomatic disagreement with Mexico. Mexican officials dismissed Patel’s account of a cross-border operation.
On Friday, Patel posted on X that the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team “executed with precision, discipline, and total professionalism alongside our Mexican partners” to bring Wedding “back to face justice.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded a few days later, stating there was no joint U.S.-Mexico operation on Mexican soil and that U.S. agents in Mexico work under strict legal limits. “I’m not going to get into a debate with the FBI Director, nor do I want there to be a conflict,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference, per The New Republic. She added that U.S. authorities informed Mexico the case involved a voluntary surrender.
These differing narratives followed Wedding’s entry into U.S. custody after his arrest in Mexico. U.S. authorities have accused Wedding of leading an international cocaine trafficking organization linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and of taking part in murders related to the drug trade. Wedding pleaded not guilty on Monday in federal court in California, according to Reuters.
Patel’s comments gained more attention after he participated in a loud event on an airport tarmac where he referred to Wedding as a “modern-day El Chapo.” This reporting noted Mexican concerns about public claims of U.S. involvement in operations.
Kash Patel tweeted about the FBI’s role in apprehending Ryan Wedding on Mexican soil.
But it was apparently supposed to be a secret. And it’s set off a bit of an international incident, per WSJ.
Now Mexico’s president is disputing Patel’s account. pic.twitter.com/iUyv5epQVJ
— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) January 29, 2026
Mexico has long limited foreign law enforcement activity on its land. This position has become firmer in recent years due to political pressure regarding sovereignty and U.S. security policy. Mexican officials characterized Wedding’s situation as a surrender, not a foreign-led arrest. Sheinbaum’s administration has regarded the details as an issue of national jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials have pointed out their collaboration with Mexican counterparts in the broader pursuit of Wedding, who was wanted for serious drug and violence charges in the U.S. Reuters reported that Wedding was arrested in Mexico and taken to the United States for prosecution. The case involves allegations of large-scale trafficking and multiple murders tied to the organization.
The public exchange also fueled discussions about what actually took place on the ground in Mexico City. Some reports indicated that Wedding turned himself in at the U.S. embassy in Mexico City, while U.S. statements highlighted his capture and transfer into U.S. custody.
This incident occurred as U.S. and Mexican authorities continue to work together on high-value targets, all while managing sensitive political constraints. These include limits on U.S. agent activity in Mexico and intense scrutiny from both countries regarding cross-border security operations. For Sheinbaum, the focus is on preventing any impression of U.S. forces conducting enforcement actions on Mexican territory. Patel has described the outcome as a significant FBI success that involved elite personnel working closely with Mexico.
Patel has been under fire since taking on the role as head of FBI for his social media blunders and use of the private jet. WIth Trump making changes to his administration when it comes to ICE, many believe Patel’s role is far from safe.
