Mexican Authorities Say No Formal FBI Request in Guthrie Case

Sonora Attorney General clarifies no collaboration request received from U.S. authorities.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The attorney general of the Mexican state of Sonora has clarified that his office has not received a formal request from the FBI to collaborate in the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Arizona home on January 31. The Sonora AG's office stated it would be willing to assist if an official request is made through proper channels.

Why it matters

The clarification from Mexican authorities contradicts previous reports that the FBI had contacted the Mexican government regarding the Guthrie case. The lack of a formal request could complicate cross-border cooperation in the search for the missing woman.

The details

In a post on the social platform X, the Sonora Attorney General's office stated it 'has not received a formal request for collaboration in the case of a missing person in Arizona,' referring to Nancy Guthrie. The office noted it would assist if an official request is received 'through the appropriate institutional channels.' Previous media reports had indicated the FBI was working with Mexican law enforcement on the case.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home outside Tucson, Arizona on the night of January 31, 2026.
  • Guthrie was reported missing the following day, February 1, 2026.

The players

Gustavo Rómulo Salas Chávez

The attorney general of the Mexican state of Sonora.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona on January 31, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and a longtime NBC anchor.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff overseeing the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is working the case alongside local authorities.

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What they’re saying

“To date, this institution has not received any formal request for collaboration, assistance, or exchange of information from U.S. authorities or Mexican federal agencies in relation to said case.”

— Gustavo Rómulo Salas Chávez, Attorney General of Sonora, Mexico (X)

“I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it's never too late, and you're not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing, and we are here. We believe — and we believe in the essential goodness of every human being.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in missing persons investigations, as well as the challenges that can arise when formal requests for assistance are not made through proper channels. It also underscores the emotional toll on families waiting for answers in such cases.