MEXICO CITY, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday denied claims that Mexican consulates in the United States are interfering in local politics and should come under scrutiny.
"This idea that Mexican consulates are engaging in politics in the United States is completely false," Sheinbaum said at a daily press conference, stressing that just like the U.S. consulate in Mexico or those of other countries, the Mexican consulate's role is solely to "protect their citizens."
Her remarks followed a report broadcast by CBS News that the U.S. State Department is looking to investigate Mexican consulates, and possibly even close some of them, following the deaths of two American CIA officers after a counter-narcotics operation in northern Mexico last month.
Mexico's government has not received any official notification of a supposed review or possible closure of consulates, she said.
Mexico's more than 50 consulates in the United States provide assistance and protection to Mexican citizens abroad, in keeping with international law and standard diplomatic practices, said Sheinbaum. "They are very respectful of U.S. policy."
The U.S. administration's immigration crackdown, including raids against undocumented migrants, has led the Mexican government to strengthen its consular services. ■
