Mexico City: Mexico has extradited 29 high-profile cartel members to the United States, marking one of the largest single handovers of drug traffickers in recent years. The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten tariffs on Mexican goods, citing concerns over drug trafficking and migration.
Among those extradited is Rafael Caro Quintero, the infamous cartel leader accused of orchestrating the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Also included in the group is Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, brother of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). U.S. authorities have offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture.
The Sinaloa Cartel was also impacted, with José Ángel “El Guerito” Canobbio, a key figure linked to Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, among those turned over. Two former leaders of the notorious Zetas Cartel, Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales (Z-40) and Óscar Omar Treviño Morales (Z-42), were also extradited.
Strategic Timing Amid Trade Talks
The surprise mass extradition aligns with Mexico’s efforts to stave off 25% tariffs threatened by Trump, who has criticized the country’s handling of fentanyl trafficking and migration control. Mexican security officials were in Washington for high-level negotiations, with the extraditions potentially serving as a goodwill gesture to prevent economic fallout.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the transferred cartel figures were sent to eight U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, and Washington. A U.S. official emphasized that the extradition of Caro Quintero, in particular, sends a strong message:
“The message goes forth – we will never forget if you harm or kill one of our agents.”
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Caro Quintero, now 72 years old, had spent 28 years in prison for Camarena’s murder before being released on a technicality in 2013. He resumed drug trafficking and was recaptured in 2022 by Mexican authorities.
Legal Questions Surrounding Extradition Process
While the U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed the extraditions, questions remain about whether Mexico followed formal extradition procedures or bypassed diplomatic requirements. The Mexican government’s statement referred to the operation only as a “transfer,” leaving legal experts speculating about the specifics.
The Trump administration has linked Mexico’s ability to control drug cartels directly to economic policy, arguing that continued failures to stem the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. will result in harsh trade penalties. 80% of Mexico’s exports rely on U.S. markets, making the threat of tariffs a powerful negotiating tool.
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With Mexico showing signs of increased cooperation, it remains to be seen whether these actions will be enough to de-escalate trade tensions or if additional policy demands will follow.
