A Mexican prosecutor who allowed C.I.A. officers to operate secretly in Chihuahua state has fled to the United States. He now faces an arrest warrant in Mexico.
U.S. and Mexican officials confirmed the prosecutor is under the protection of the U.S. government. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity.
The case centers on his decision to permit C.I.A. personnel to work inside Chihuahua. That arrangement was kept hidden from Mexican federal authorities.
Mexican prosecutors opened a case against him after the arrangement surfaced. The charges relate to his role in allowing the covert presence.
His departure marks a rare public rupture between Mexican and U.S. security cooperation. Both governments have long coordinated on intelligence matters.
The U.S. government has not commented publicly on his status. It is unclear whether Washington will grant him asylum or another form of protection.
The episode could complicate future joint operations between the two countries. Mexican officials have signaled they want clearer rules for foreign agents.
