Tensions between Peru and Mexico have hit a breaking point after Peru’s Congress voted to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” effectively barring her from entering the country.

The diplomatic clash follows Mexico’s decision to grant political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing charges of rebellion and abuse of authority linked to the 2022 ousting of ex-President Pedro Castillo.

Castillo, a left-leaning former schoolteacher, was removed from office after attempting to dissolve Congress — an act widely condemned as an attempted coup. While he remains in preventive detention facing a possible 34-year sentence, Chávez, released on bail, recently sought refuge at the Mexican Embassy in Lima.

Mexico granted her asylum, citing its long-standing humanitarian tradition. Peru, however, called the move an “unfriendly act” and accused Mexico of “unacceptable interference.” Interim President José Jerí subsequently severed diplomatic ties and ordered Mexico’s top diplomat to leave the country.

In a 63-33 vote, Peru’s Congress pushed further on Thursday, officially censuring President Sheinbaum. Acting Congress President Fernando Rospigliosi claimed the Mexican leader had “clearly interfered in Peru’s internal affairs — not only in words but through direct actions.”

Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry dismissed the declaration, calling it “based on false assertions.” It insists the asylum was granted under the 1954 Caracas Convention, a treaty recognized by both nations that governs political asylum.

Peru’s Foreign Ministry is now reviewing Mexico’s request for a safe-passage document that would allow Chávez to leave the country without arrest.

Meanwhile, Socialist lawmaker Jaime Quito criticized the decision, saying Congress had “once again made an international embarrassment by breaking relations with our sister country, Mexico.”

The move marks the lowest point in Peru–Mexico relations in decades, underscoring the region’s deepening political divisions.