Mexico Extradites 26 Cartel Leaders in Landmark U.S. Deal

Mexico extradites 26 cartel leaders to the United States in a high-profile operation that marks one of the most significant security collaborations between the two countries in recent years. The transfer includes prominent figures from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Sinaloa Cartel, and other notorious drug trafficking groups.

U.S. authorities confirmed the group’s arrival on Tuesday, hailing it as a milestone in joint efforts to dismantle criminal networks fueling drug smuggling across the border. The extradition follows months of negotiations under the Trump administration’s heightened pressure on Mexico to curb narcotics trafficking.

High-Profile Figures Among Those Sent to the U.S.

One of the most notable figures is Abigael González Valencia, a leader of Los Cuinis and brother-in-law to CJNG’s leader Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, one of the U.S. government’s most wanted fugitives. González Valencia, arrested in 2015 in Puerto Vallarta, had been fighting extradition for nearly a decade. His group financed CJNG’s rapid rise to power, trafficking large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl to the U.S. and other countries.

Also among the extradited is Roberto Salazar, wanted in connection to the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, and Servando Gómez Martínez, known as “La Tuta,” the former head of the Knights Templar Cartel. Gómez once controlled the Mexican state of Michoacán, blending religious rhetoric with ruthless criminal control before his capture in 2015.

U.S. and Mexico Praise Cooperation

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “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.” She thanked Mexico’s National Security team for its collaboration.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson added, “This transfer is yet another example of what is possible when two governments stand united against violence and impunity.”

Part of a Broader Security Strategy

This is the second mass transfer of cartel leaders this year. In February, Mexico sent 29 figures — including infamous drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero — to the U.S., in exchange for assurances that no death penalties would be sought. That move coincided with Mexico seeking to avoid threatened U.S. tariffs on its imports.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a more aggressive stance against cartels than her predecessor, though she continues to reject calls for U.S. military intervention, citing Mexico’s sovereignty.

Ongoing Efforts Against Organized Crime

The Mexico Extradites 26 Cartel Leaders operation underscores a growing willingness by both nations to cooperate on law enforcement despite political tensions. U.S. agencies view the extraditions as a critical blow to drug trafficking operations, although experts warn that cartel networks can adapt quickly.

The U.S. continues to offer a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture of “El Mencho,” who remains at large and is considered one of the most dangerous cartel bosses in the world.

SOURCE: AP News