Former Mexican Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos made a highly anticipated public appearance this Sunday during the 112th anniversary of Mexico’s Loyalty March in Mexico City. The event, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, marks Cienfuegos’ first official engagement since his controversial detention and release by U.S. authorities in 2020.
Wearing his signature dark sunglasses, the ex-defense chief stood alongside high-ranking officials, greeting military personnel and even posing for photographs. His presence at the ceremony underscores his continued influence within Mexico’s military circles, despite past allegations that briefly threatened his legacy.
Cienfuegos’ Arrest and Release: A Diplomatic Controversy
Detained in the U.S. on Drug Trafficking Charges
In October 2020, U.S. authorities arrested Salvador Cienfuegos in Los Angeles on charges of alleged drug trafficking and money laundering. The indictment, issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), accused him of having links to organized crime groups during his tenure as Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense (2012–2018) under President Enrique Peña Nieto.
However, in an unprecedented diplomatic move, the U.S. government dropped all charges and repatriated Cienfuegos to Mexico in November 2020. This decision followed intense pressure from the Mexican government, which denounced the lack of cooperation from U.S. authorities and questioned the credibility of the evidence.
Exoneration by Mexico’s Attorney General
Upon his return, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) conducted its own investigation, ultimately clearing Cienfuegos of all charges in January 2021. The FGR ruled that the DEA’s case was built on weak and unsubstantiated claims, concluding that:
✔ No evidence linked Cienfuegos to drug trafficking operations.
✔ The intercepted communications used in the U.S. case lacked credibility.
✔ The investigation failed to provide direct proof of wrongdoing.
As a result, the Mexican government refused to prosecute him, leading to widespread debate over political influence in judicial decisions.
Cienfuegos’ Return to Public Life
A Respected Military Figure Despite Controversy
Cienfuegos’ reappearance at the Loyalty March suggests that he remains a respected figure within Mexico’s armed forces. The event, held at Chapultepec Castle, commemorates a historic moment in Mexican military loyalty to the presidency, and his participation signals ongoing support from key military factions.
During the ceremony, Cienfuegos warmly greeted fellow military personnel, shook hands, and even posed for photos. As journalists took notice of his presence, he acknowledged them with a wave—a subtle gesture of confidence after years of scrutiny.
AMLO Defends Cienfuegos and Honors His Military Service
Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) remained one of Cienfuegos’ most vocal defenders. In October 2023, AMLO awarded him a military honor during the Bicentennial of the Heroic Military College, arguing that the allegations against him were fabricated by U.S. authorities.
“Why does it bother them so much that we honored General Cienfuegos?” AMLO questioned in one of his daily press briefings.
“The accusations were a setup; the investigation lacked evidence.”
AMLO further claimed that the Cienfuegos case was an attack on the Mexican military, designed to weaken national security institutions and undermine Mexico’s sovereignty.
Cienfuegos Speaks Out: Calls for U.S. Apology
In a rare interview, Cienfuegos broke his silence on his arrest, alleging that his detention was part of a larger geopolitical strategy. He argued that:
✔ The charges against him were politically motivated.
✔ The DEA’s investigation sought to damage Mexico’s military credibility.
✔ The U.S. should formally apologize for the wrongful accusations.
Despite his exoneration in Mexico, the U.S. has not officially cleared his name, as the agreement between both countries allows for possible future legal action if additional evidence emerges.
What’s Next for Salvador Cienfuegos?
While Cienfuegos has kept a low profile since his legal battle, his public appearance at the Loyalty March suggests a gradual return to the national spotlight. Although no official role has been confirmed, his strong ties to Mexico’s military leadership remain intact.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Salvador Cienfuegos made his first major public appearance since his U.S. arrest.
✔ Mexico exonerated him of all allegations, rejecting U.S. accusations.
✔ His presence at the Loyalty March highlights continued military support.
✔ He has called for a formal U.S. apology over the case.
As Mexico navigates ongoing national security challenges, Cienfuegos’ return raises questions about his future role within the country’s military and political landscape.
