By Ricardo Lezama 
Just a few hours ago, video showing a group of Mexican fishermen from Chiquilá (in northern Quintana Roo) experiencing an unexpected run-in with United States Marines about 80 miles off the coast of Holbox Island.
The fishermen were startled to find a U.S. military presence at sea in international waters edged closer to Mexico, and the encounter – which was captured on video and spread across social media – involved American Marines instructing the Mexicans to keep their distance from a nearby U.S. warship . This incident has raised questions about where exactly it happened, why U.S. military personnel were in the area, and what it means for maritime jurisdiction and Mexico–U.S. relations.
The fishermen simply explained that they were deep sea fishing and doing so overnight was the most efficient.
The Nighttime Encounter at Sea
In the recording, armed U.S. personnel in a small boat approach the Mexican fishing vessel at night and politely instructed the crew to keep their distance. One Marine can be heard saying, “you can’t be that close,” as they direct the fishermen to move at least three miles away from a large U.S. naval ship for safety. According to local reports, the fishermen had unknowingly come near a U.S. warship (presumably an aircraft carrier), which had launched an interceptor boat with Marines to warn them off . The Americans questioned the fishermen about their presence and advised them to leave the area by about 3 miles, emphasizing it was for their own safety due to the proximity of the armed vessel . The Marines’ tone in the video was calm and courteous, and after issuing the warning, they also urged the fishermen to stay safe and not approach the military ship operating in the area . The entire exchange, though brief and civil, clearly surprised the fishermen, who later described it as a frightful unexpected encounter.
Local sources in the port of Chiquilá confirmed that the boat involved belonged to fishermen from that community, though the name of the vessel and identities of the crew were not publicly disclosed.
@caribbeanmx Marinos de estados unidos en holbox ! #latinus @Latinus ♬ sonido original – Caribbean MX
Notably, experienced men of the sea remarked that these fishermen had ventured “very far from the usual fishing zone,” which explains how they came upon the U.S. naval vessel so far offshore . In fact, the encounter took place roughly 80 nautical miles north of Holbox – a considerable distance from the island’s coast – suggesting the fishermen had traveled well beyond typical local waters in search of a catch. It was in these open waters that they found themselves near a U.S. Navy warship. Upon noticing the small Mexican boat, the American ship deployed a fast boat with Marines to make contact. The video of this interaction, later shared on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, shows the Marines shining lights toward the fishermen’s vessel and performing a brief interrogation/check of the crew’s intentions. Per social media reports, once the situation was deemed non-threatening, the U.S. personnel courteously instructed the fishermen to steer clear of the warship by a few miles, then disengaged. The fishermen, while shaken by the surprise, complied and left the immediate vicinity of the U.S. ship.
Location and Maritime Jurisdiction
The incident occurred at a location about 80 miles (approximately 128 km) off Holbox Island. Holbox is located off the Yucatán Peninsula’s northern tip, and 80 miles out to sea lies well beyond Mexico’s territorial waters. By law, Mexico’s territorial sea extends 12 nautical miles from its coast, and its sovereign rights in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extend up to 200 nautical miles . An 80-mile distance places the encounter outside the 12-nm limit of Mexico’s full sovereignty, likely in international waters (though still within Mexico’s EEZ). In practical terms, this means the U.S. warship was operating in waters where international law permits freedom of navigation for military vessels. No clear violation of maritime law occurred simply by the U.S. ship being present at that distance, since warships are generally allowed in international waters without prior notification. However, the proximity to Mexican shores and the direct interaction with Mexican nationals (the fishermen) brings up sensitive jurisdictional questions. From the fishermen’s perspective, they were in what they might consider their fishing grounds, and suddenly encountering foreign military forces can be alarming.
It’s worth noting that the fishermen were unusually far north of Holbox – as local experts pointed out, they had strayed much farther out than normal . This area, while beyond the coastal lagoon and usual fishing spots, still lies in the Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean region near Mexican waters. The U.S. Navy vessel’s presence there is unusual in itself; large American warships are not commonly seen so close to the Yucatán’s maritime periphery unless involved in some operation or transit. If the warship remained beyond 12 nautical miles, it did not intrude into Mexico’s territorial sea, and thus would not legally require Mexico’s permission to sail there. Nevertheless, any foreign military activity just outside a country’s sovereign waters can raise sovereignty sensitivities.
There is a fine line between operating in international waters and being perceived as encroaching on a nation’s domain. In this case, U.S. Marines effectively patrolling and giving orders near Mexico’s coast – even if with good intentions – can be seen as a delicate matter. Mexican authorities would likely be interested in why a U.S. warship was stationed off Holbox’s coast and whether its activities had been coordinated or communicated in any way.
Reactions of the Fishermen and Local Community
For the fishermen involved, the sudden sight of an armed U.S. military team in the dark of night was unsettling. The men reportedly “experienced a scare” (un susto) from this unexpected confrontation . Being stopped and questioned by foreign soldiers far out at sea was something they had not anticipated during their fishing trip. After returning to Chiquilá, news of the encounter spread quickly among the local fishing community and on social media. The video footage of the incident – showing the U.S. Marines and the fishermen’s boat – went viral on Facebook and TikTok, sparking a wave of commentary . Many locals and viewers had mixed reactions (opiniones encontradas): some expressed concern or indignation that a U.S. warship was operating near Mexican shores, while others were simply surprised or curious about the unprecedented event .
In the community of Lázaro Cárdenas (the municipality that includes Holbox and Chiquilá), people began questioning why U.S. military forces were present in Mexican coastal waters . Fishermen and residents swapped theories, ranging from benign explanations (perhaps a joint exercise or anti-drug operation) to more alarming ones (unauthorized incursion into Mexican territory). On local Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups, some commenters wondered if the U.S. ship was there to combat drug trafficking or conduct drills, while others criticized what they saw as a breach of Mexico’s sovereignty. No consensus emerged, and the lack of official information only fueled speculation. For the fishermen directly involved, beyond the initial fright, there was also likely relief that the situation ended peacefully – the Marines did not detain them or use force, but merely issued a warning. Still, the encounter left the local population buzzing with questions and a bit of nationalistic alarm at the idea of foreign soldiers giving orders to Mexicans on “their” waters.
Official Response (or Lack Thereof)
As of the time the story was reported (April 16, 2025), Mexican authorities had not yet made any public statement about the incident . Neither the municipal government of Lázaro Cárdenas (which oversees Holbox) nor the Holbox port captaincy had released information or comments regarding the presence of U.S. Marines off the coast . Local officials did not confirm any authorized joint operation or drill that might explain the U.S. warship’s appearance. This silence left the community and observers without an official explanation. Ordinarily, if there were a scheduled bilateral exercise or search-and-rescue operation involving foreign military in the area, one would expect some notification or coordination with Mexican authorities. The fact that no one at the local level seemed aware of what was going on is noteworthy.
Reporters attempted to get information about whether this might have been part of a collaborative effort between the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and the U.S. Navy, but nothing was immediately confirmed . The article specifically notes that officials had not indicated any joint military activity between Mexico and the United States at the time, which only heightens the mystery . This vacuum of information puts pressure on higher authorities – possibly the Mexican Navy or the federal government – to clarify the situation. It’s possible that behind closed doors, inquiries were being made. For instance, the Mexican foreign ministry or navy might reach out to U.S. counterparts for an explanation. But publicly, as of that date, the fishermen and the local community were left without answers, and the media report highlighted that no communication had been made to reassure or inform the populace.
The absence of an official statement also leaves room for public concern to grow. In Mexico, issues of foreign military presence can quickly become sensitive (as discussed in the next section), so the longer the silence, the more speculation can take root. Observers noted the context of recent political frictions between the Mexican and U.S. governments , implying that an unannounced U.S. military appearance – however harmless its intent – could become a point of contention if not addressed. It remains to be seen if, in subsequent days, authorities will confirm whether the U.S. warship was there with permission (for example, as part of a cooperative effort) or if it was a unilateral move that surprised even the Mexican government.
Context: Military Cooperation vs. Sovereignty Concerns
This encounter comes at a time of nuanced Mexico–U.S. relations in terms of security cooperation. On one hand, the two countries do collaborate on security and military training; on the other hand, Mexican leaders are very sensitive about sovereignty and any perception of U.S. intrusion.
Foreign military presence in Mexico is a politically sensitive issue, rooted in a long history of protective sovereignty. Under Mexican law, any entry of foreign armed forces into national territory (land, air, or sea) normally requires authorization by the Mexican government – often needing approval by the Senate. In fact, just a few weeks before the Holbox incident, Mexico’s Senate unanimously approved the entry of 155 U.S. Marines for a joint training exercise known as Exercise “Fénix 2025” . That exercise, held in late March through April, took place in Baja California Sur on the Pacific coast, with full Mexican government consent and oversight . This shows that formal channels for cooperation do exist and are utilized when both governments agree on a mission. The flip side is that any uncoordinated or surprise appearance of U.S. military forces near Mexico can trigger alarm. As one Mexican news outlet noted, “the presence of foreign troops on national territory remains a sensitive topic in Mexican politics, sparking debates about sovereignty” . There is a fine line between welcomed cooperation and perceived violation of sovereignty.
In early 2025, Mexican officials had been vocal about respecting that line. President Claudia Sheinbaum (who took office in late 2024) publicly rejected the idea of any U.S. military operations in Mexico without consent, after some U.S. politicians suggested taking action against drug cartels. Sheinbaum emphasized that while Mexico will work with the U.S. against organized crime, it must be within a framework of coordination and respect for Mexican sovereignty, declaring that under no circumstance would she allow direct intervention by foreign forces on Mexican soil . “A México se le respeta” – “Mexico must be respected” – she insisted, making it clear that unilateral military action by the U.S. is not acceptable . This stance was a direct response to comments by a U.S. official hinting that “all options” (even unilateral force) were on the table to protect U.S. interests from Mexican cartels . In that context, the sight of U.S. Marines off Holbox, unannounced, touches a nerve. Even if the Marines were in international waters and meant no harm, such an incident can be easily politicized against the backdrop of sovereignty concerns.
It is against this backdrop that the Holbox encounter must be understood. Mexico–U.S. relations in security matters involve a careful balance: cooperation against common threats (like drug trafficking) but also a clear understanding that Mexico does not permit foreign troops to operate independently on its soil or territorial waters. The fact that this occurred near Holbox (on the Atlantic side) without prior public knowledge has led to questions about communication between the two countries’ militaries. Was the Mexican Navy informed that a U.S. naval vessel would be operating near its Exclusive Economic Zone? Was this perhaps part of a joint anti-narcotics surveillance effort that wasn’t publicized? Or was the U.S. warship simply transiting the area and took it upon itself to warn a small boat as a precaution? These are open questions. What is certain is that if the Mexican government had no knowledge of the U.S. ship’s presence, it could view the incident as a breach of protocol, if not sovereignty. Even a well-intentioned warning to fishermen can become diplomatically delicate if it appears to be U.S. forces policing areas close to Mexican territory.
Implications for Mexico–U.S. Relations
While this single encounter was resolved peacefully, it carries broader implications for bilateral relations and maritime protocol. First, it underscores the need for clear communication and protocols whenever U.S. military assets operate near Mexican waters. Both countries will likely want to avoid misunderstandings – for instance, a Mexican patrol could have just as easily stumbled upon the U.S. warship, which might have led to a more serious military-to-military confusion. Going forward, we might expect Mexican authorities to seek clarifications from the United States. If the presence of the U.S. Navy in that area was authorized or part of a mission, Mexico would want to know details. Diplomatic channels may be used to ensure such incidents don’t escalate: for example, the Mexican Navy might formally ask the U.S. Navy for a report on why their vessel was near Holbox, or the Foreign Ministry might send a note to the U.S. Embassy.
Publicly, the incident could fuel nationalist sentiment in Mexico if not handled transparently. Mexican leaders (both local and national) may feel pressure to respond or at least reassure the public that national sovereignty is intact. On the U.S. side, the military will also review the encounter – even though it was minor, they’ll want to make sure their crews followed proper procedure in international waters. It’s possible the U.S. could clarify that the warship was conducting a routine exercise or transit and meant no infringement, which Mexican officials could then convey to the public to ease concerns. If it turns out the warship was there as part of a joint effort (for example, tracking illicit activities), announcing that could actually showcase cooperation rather than conflict – but so far, no such joint mission has been confirmed .
Another implication is the spotlight on maritime boundaries and the potential for incidents at sea. The Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean are areas where both Mexican and U.S. interests intersect – from oil platforms and fishing to anti-drug patrols. Usually, coordination is strong (for instance, the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican Navy often communicate on search-and-rescue or interdiction operations). This event highlights that even with friendly relations, misunderstandings can occur if communication lapses. It serves as a reminder that respect for jurisdiction is paramount: the U.S. warship commanders presumably knew to stay outside Mexico’s territorial sea, but perhaps did not anticipate encountering locals so far out. For Mexico, it may be a prompt to assertively monitor its EEZ and know who is operating there. There could even be calls within Mexico for greater vigilance or for requiring notification when foreign warships are near (though legally on the high seas they cannot enforce that).
In terms of bilateral diplomacy, this is a relatively low-level incident, but it feeds into the narrative that Mexico must guard its sovereignty – a theme that President Sheinbaum and her predecessor have often emphasized. If mishandled, it could cause a temporary strain or domestic political backlash. If handled well, it could be an opportunity for both nations to reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect in security operations. Given the recent cooperation (like the Fénix 2025 exercise) and simultaneous tensions over potential U.S. intervention, the Holbox encounter is a timely example of why clear rules and respect are needed. It puts a spotlight on the importance of agreements governing foreign military activity. Mexico may invoke this case in future discussions, perhaps to insist on notification protocols whenever U.S. Navy ships are operating near Mexican waters, even if in international seas – simply as a courtesy to avoid panic.
Finally, this incident has a human angle that resonates in Mexico: local fishermen, not doing anything wrong, suddenly facing armed foreign soldiers. That image can be politically potent. It reminds both governments that policy decisions and military postures have real effects on ordinary people. The hope is that both Mexico and the U.S. will treat this as a learning experience – reinforcing the idea that any U.S. military presence close to Mexico requires transparency to maintain trust. As of the latest information, Mexican authorities were likely investigating and seeking dialogue, and the story was prompting a broader conversation about maritime jurisdiction and national security. The U.S. Marines’ unexpected visit to the waters off Holbox may have been brief, but it has opened a lasting discussion about sovereignty at sea and the state of Mexico–U.S. relations in 2025.