Governor Kuri Denies Rift Over Police Academy

Three security guards in uniform standing by motorbikes outdoors in a tropical setting. Photo: Malik Usman/Pexels

The governor of Querétaro, Mauricio Kuri, dismissed claims of a split with President Claudia Sheinbaum following criticism over plans for an International Police Training Academy, a joint effort with the United States. The controversy began when Sheinbaum questioned why Kuri and U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson participated in the academy’s new ceremony without federal security officials in attendance.

Sheinbaum had previously stated that any training program involving U.S. agencies must adhere to federal guidelines and secure approval from the central government. Kuri rejected the notion of a breach, insisting his administration would maintain coordination with federal authorities and that the initiative was not pursued without consultation. “I would never act against my country,” Kuri declared. “It has always followed the law.” He noted that the project aligns with Querétaro’s established partnerships with foreign embassies, including the U.S., and that security training must adhere to standard protocols, particularly in addressing organized crime, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

The academy is being built within Querétaro’s Rhino security complex and will specialize in training police officers to detect illicit drugs, weapons, and financial crimes. The initial funding for the project exceeds 30 million pesos, though Kuri clarified that operational aspects, such as the curriculum and federal alignment, are still under review.

The state has a history of collaboration with foreign partners, but Sheinbaum’s administration has emphasized stricter oversight for such initiatives, prompting closer scrutiny of approval processes.

Federal authorities reiterated the necessity of coordination, with the Secretariat of Foreign Relations confirming that all international security cooperation must proceed through established federal procedures. Kuri’s team confirmed ongoing discussions with Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch and Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco, though no additional details were provided.