Senator Julieta Ramírez Negotiates With The United States To Become A Cooperating Witness

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Senator Julieta Ramírez of Baja California—who took a leave of absence to seek the Morena nomination for the state's governorship—is under investigation by the U.S. government and is currently negotiating to provide information and become a cooperating witness for the Department of Justice. 

Alejandra Barriguete and Luis Villegas from our *NMás Focus* investigative unit have the story. Julieta Ramírez Padilla is the current Morena senator for Baja California (currently on leave) and is seeking the state's nomination for the 2027 election. She is under investigation by the U.S. government and is currently in talks to cooperate as a witness. 

"I will never betray the people of Baja California." *NMás Focus* gained access to a proffer agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice (San Diego office) and Julieta Ramírez. 

A proffer agreement is a contract between a prosecutor and a subject of an investigation or a witness; it allows for the disclosure of information regarding a crime in exchange for the Department of Justice agreeing not to use that statement directly against the individual at trial. 

The agreement stipulates that Ramírez would meet with the U.S. Department of Justice so they could determine if she could provide reliable information in exchange for a benefit. In the same document, Ramírez pledged not to commit perjury or obstruct justice. 

In January of this year, the senator—then on leave—denied reports that her U.S. visa had been revoked. "Before starting this new phase, I want to express my deep honor in representing my beloved state here. I approach this process with humility, joy, and a profound sense of responsibility." 

On June 17, Ramírez Padilla requested a leave of absence from the Senate to run for the governorship of Baja California. That same week, flyers began circulating in Tijuana, positioning her ahead of other prospective candidates. Julieta Ramírez has a close relationship with the current governor, Marina del Pilar; Ramírez previously served as her private secretary at the Mexicali City Hall. 

In July, Marina del Pilar also acknowledged having attempted to cooperate with the U.S. government in an investigation. Her visa had reportedly been revoked months earlier. Julieta Ramírez is vying for the role of coordinator for the defense of the "Fourth Transformation" against Ismael Burgueño, the former mayor of Tijuana. 

On September 1, the State Electoral Institute ordered Ramírez to remove all campaign materials. This action followed a complaint filed against her with the authorities by the National Action Party (PAN) regarding alleged premature campaigning.

Source: NMás