Overview
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security told a journalist that Alfonso Durazo and Américo Villarreal have not received a "Significant Public Benefit Parole," the discretionary entry permission previously reported by other outlets.
- The department's email response was published Monday and explicitly named the two governors while noting DHS offices that would hold parole records checked their files.
- The Los Angeles Times had earlier reported that both governors were under U.S. scrutiny, had visas revoked, and were placed in a parole-like program, but DHS's reply directly contradicts the parole element of that account.
- DHS directed questions about visa validity to the U.S. Department of State, and the governors deny their visas were revoked, leaving public uncertainty about whether any visa actions or formal investigations are under way.
- Reporters have cited an unconfirmed account that Villarreal entered the U.S. through an official port and was escorted by U.S. officials, and Mexico's president welcomed DHS's denial as she criticized U.S. coverage and warned of political fallout.