In another victory for his administration in the fight against criminal groups trafficking drugs across the border, President Donald Trump secured Mexico's agreement to extradite 26 high-ranking cartel members to be tried and to serve sentences in United States prisons.
Among those extradited is drug lord Abigael González Valencia, considered a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Another extradited individual, Roberto Salazar, was wanted for his involvement in the murder of a police officer in Los Angeles County in 2008. The remaining individuals have ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and other criminal networks.
The extraditions mark another milestone in Trump's fight against drug trafficking in his country, largely attributable to the activity of Mexican cartels at the border. This is the second time in a few months that President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to hand over cartel members accused of drug trafficking, murders, and other crimes, despite initially refusing to do so.
Sheinbaum y Trump.
The Department of Justice confirms the news.
"These 26 men have played a role in bringing violence and drugs to United States territory. Under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country," stated Attorney General Pam Bondi, who also thanked Mexican authorities.
This group of extradited individuals, as well as the one in February, was transported by plane after United States prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty for these criminals. Among those handed over in February was drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, linked to the murder of a DEA agent in 1985.
"This transfer is another example of what is possible when two governments unite against violence and impunity," declared U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, who assured that these fugitives will face United States justice.
El narco Caro Quintero fue extraditado a los Estados Unidos en febrero.
Trump demanded greater action against the cartels from Sheinbaum.
The February extraditions took place while Mexico was seeking to prevent Trump from imposing tariffs of up to 30% on Mexican imports. At the end of last month, the leaders of both countries agreed to postpone those tariffs for 90 days to allow for new negotiations.
Trump granted this new deadline on the condition that Sheinbaum adopt a greater willingness to cooperate with the White House on security issues, which inexorably implies a firmer stance against the cartels.
Instead of listening to Trump's proposal, the socialist president has merely rejected any kind of foreign interference, especially regarding possible United States military action in areas of Mexico controlled by these criminal gangs.
