Mexico Sends 26 Cartel Members to US: What's the Deal?
Colaboradores
In a significant move, Mexico has extradited 26 high-ranking cartel members to the United States, marking the latest development in a collaborative effort with the Trump administration. This action comes as American authorities intensify their efforts to combat criminal networks involved in drug smuggling across the border.
Key Figures Extradited
Among those handed over to U.S. custody is Abigael González Valencia, a leader of "Los Cuinis," a group closely associated with the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Another defendant, Roberto Salazar, is wanted in connection to the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy. Other prominent figures have ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and other violent drug trafficking organizations.
A Milestone for the Trump Administration
These transfers represent a significant milestone for the Trump administration, which has prioritized dismantling dangerous drug cartels as a key objective of the Justice Department. This is the second instance in recent months where Mexico has expelled cartel figures accused of narcotics smuggling, murder, and other crimes, driven by mounting pressure from the U.S. to curb the flow of drugs onto American streets.
"These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores — under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country," stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. She also expressed gratitude to Mexico's National Security team for their collaboration in this matter.
Designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
In February, President Trump signed an executive order designating CJNG, Sinaloa, and six other cartels – Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas), La Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cártel de Golfo (Gulf Cartel), and Cárteles Unidos – as foreign terrorist organizations.
The cartel figures were transported to the U.S. after the Justice Department agreed not to seek the death penalty against any of the defendants or against any cartel leaders and members sent to the U.S. in February, ensuring their extradition and prosecution in the United States.