The Government of Mexico Receives the “Villa de Santa Fe” Map, a Document of Great Historical Relevance Belonging to the National Archives, Recovered Through the FBI in[...]

The Government of Mexico Receives the "Villa de Santa Fe" Map, a Document of Great Historical Relevance Belonging to the National Archives, Recovered Through the FBI in Albuquerque, New Mexico

México
Consulado de Carrera de México en Albuquerque

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mariana Cuazitl | 505-573-9940 | [email protected]
September 23rd, 2025

The Government of Mexico Receives the "Villa de Santa Fe" Map, a Document of Great Historical Relevance Belonging to the National Archives, Recovered Through the FBI in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque, held an academic ceremony and formal handover of the "Villa de Santa Fe" map, a historic document of great significance recovered thanks to binational cooperation between Mexico and the United States.

The event was inaugurated by Alan Webber, Mayor of Santa Fe, who delivered a message emphasizing the value of this ceremony in terms of binational collaboration and the friendship that for many years has united Mexico and New Mexico. "History is an essential part of Santa Fe and New Mexico, as is the close and deep relationship with Mexico. It's always a great moment when these heartfelt elements combine, and the ceremony and handover of the 'Villa de Santa Fe' map is just that-a moment of history, friendship, culture, and community. I'm honored to be a part of it", he highlighted.

The ceremony featured distinguished scholars, including Dr. Frances Hayashida, Director of the Latin American and Iberian Institute at the University of New Mexico (UNM); Dr. Manuel García y Griego, Associate Professor of History at UNM; and Dr. Joseph P. Sánchez, Emeritus Director of the Spanish Colonial Research Center at UNM, who explained the historical value of the map and its connection to the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

Representing U.S. authorities, Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, highlighted the binational cooperation that made this recovery possible. "On behalf of the FBI, it is an honor for me to return this historic artifact to the people of Mexico," Special Agent Garris stated. "The FBI is committed to returning stolen works of art and other objects of cultural and historical significance to the communities to which they belong."

In addition, Mariana Gayosso, Director of Documentary Heritage Preservation at the National Archives of Mexico (AGN), emphasized: "The AGN is committed to the protection and recovery of historical documents taken from the Mexican Archives. Documentary heritage is not for sale; it is meant to be cherished and protected."

During the event, conversations between the Mexican and US Governments during 9 years were referred, in order to achieve the recovery of the map, which was identified missing in 2011 and five years later was located in New Mexico. All these implied elaboration and presentation of communications, technical studies, and proofs around the belonging of the map, until it was finally recovered by the FBI.

Head Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, Patricia Pinzón, underscored the Government of Mexico's commitment to protecting and restoring the nation's historical and cultural heritage. "The return of the Villa de Santa Fe map is a symbol of Mexico's commitment to the preservation of its historical and cultural heritage, as well as the value of binational cooperation. This document not only enriches our collective memory but also strengthens the ties that unite us with New Mexico through our shared history," she stated.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of the "Villa de Santa Fe" map in the presence of authorities, academics, guests, and the public, reaffirming the value of this historic document as part of the shared memory between Mexico and the United States.

Through actions such as this, Mexico continues its efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and to repatriate elements of the national heritage that are illegally held abroad.

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