Sheinbaum disputes Gómez Mont's persecution claim

Reporting and context

President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected Inés Gómez Mont's claim of ideological persecution, saying the former television presenter's case concerns alleged financial crimes, according to Entorno Informativo Sonora. Speaking at her November 3 morning news conference, Sheinbaum said the investigations began under previous administrations and expressed hope that Gómez Mont could be returned to Mexico to face judicial proceedings.

Entorno Informativo Sonora reported that U.S. immigration authorities detained Gómez Mont in Florida on October 30. She remained in immigration custody while her legal status in the United States was being determined. Mexican prosecutors said the detention was for immigration matters and that any deportation or handover depended on U.S. authorities.

Attorney General Ernestina Godoy said three Mexican arrest warrants remained outstanding: one concerning organized crime and transactions involving illicit proceeds, and two for conduct legally treated as tax fraud. The warrants would be executed if Gómez Mont arrived in Mexico, the prosecutor's office said.

Prosecutors allege that money from a scheme diverting public funds through shell companies reached Gómez Mont's personal accounts. The investigation involves contracts worth approximately 2.45 billion pesos intended for the federal prison system, the outlet reported. Authorities also allege she understated income in the 2014 and 2016 tax years and failed to pay more than 13 million pesos in taxes. The contract value and alleged unpaid taxes are separate figures describing different aspects of the case.

Gómez Mont has argued that she faces persecution over her conservative views. Sheinbaum disputed that explanation and attributed the case to the financial investigations. The report distinguishes her U.S. immigration detention from the Mexican criminal proceedings that would follow any return.

Original reporting: Entorno Informativo Sonora.