Israel Vallarta was released from the Federal Prison of Almoloya de Juárez on August 1, 2025, after spending nearly 20 years incarcerated without a sentence. He was accused of kidnapping, organized crime, and possession of a firearm exclusive to the military, but the charges could not be proven. Vallarta has described his case as a fabricated setup and claimed he was subjected to torture. The arrest, which occurred during the administration of former President Felipe Calderón and former security official Genaro García Luna, has been characterized as a televised montage. The case has drawn attention to flaws in the Mexican judicial system and has been linked to political and media manipulation. Vallarta rejected a pardon offered in 2019, stating the legal process needed to continue. Following his release, Vallarta indicated he may pursue legal action against the Mexican state. The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed the release was a judicial decision and highlighted that Luis Cárdenas Palomino, a former associate of García Luna, remains imprisoned for torture related to the case. The case has also attracted international attention, including reactions from Florence Cassez, Vallarta's former partner, who expressed relief at his liberation. Vallarta’s release marks the conclusion of one of the longest trials in recent Mexican history and has sparked debate about justice and political influence in Mexico.