MEXICO CITY (AP) — Alejandro Gertz Manero, the Mexican Attorney General known for his lengthy career in public service, has resigned from his position to take on a new role as an ambassador. His resignation was announced during a Senate session, where presiding officers read a letter from Gertz Manero requesting acceptance of his resignation. President Claudia Sheinbaum had nominated him as "Mexico's ambassador to a friendly country," though the specific country was not disclosed.

The 86-year-old Gertz Manero, who has sought to remain out of the public eye, has held various public security positions since the 1970s and has served as Mexico's attorney general for nearly seven years. He assumed office in January 2019 as the country's first attorney general intended to operate independently from political influence. However, his tenure was marred by accusations of close ties to former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who appointed him. Numerous civil organizations criticized Gertz Manero for these connections, viewing them as a conflict of interest.

Even after the election of Claudia Sheinbaum in October 2024, Gertz Manero continued his role as attorney general. Sheinbaum, a successor to López Obrador on many fronts, has sought to distance herself from her predecessor regarding security policies, an approach influenced in part by pressures from the United States. This is particularly significant given that Gertz Manero had significant disagreements with U.S. authorities during his time in office.

Under Sheinbaum's leadership, the Attorney General's Office was involved in the successful extradition of 55 major drug traffickers imprisoned in Mexico to the United States for trial. Notable among these was Rafael Caro Quintero, a figure linked to the 1985 murder of a DEA agent, highlighting the office's active role in combating drug-related crimes.

Hours before his resignation became public, Gertz Manero emphasized the need for greater coordination between state prosecutors and the Attorney General's Office, particularly on security matters. His departure marks a significant change in Mexican politics and law enforcement, raising questions about the future direction of the Attorney General's Office under new leadership.