Mexico Extradites Drug Cartel Figures to the United States
By FABIOLA SÁNCHEZ and JOSHUA GOODMAN
In a significant move of security cooperation, Mexico has extradited 29 drug cartel figures, including notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, to the United States. Caro Quintero was involved in the killing of a U.S. DEA agent back in 1985, marking a dark chapter in U.S.-Mexico relations.
The extradition comes amidst high-level talks between Mexican officials and the Trump administration in Washington, with the looming threat of imposing tariffs on all Mexican imports. The individuals were transported from prisons across Mexico to board planes bound for eight U.S. cities.
Among the extradited individuals were members of five Mexican organized crime groups, including those designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” by President Donald Trump’s administration. The list included cartel leaders, security chiefs, cartel finance operatives, and a suspect linked to the killing of a North Carolina sheriff’s deputy.
One of the prominent figures extradited was Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, a former leader of the Juarez drug cartel. He was handed over to the U.S. to face charges related to drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
The extradition of these individuals represents a significant step in the fight against drug trafficking, with U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasizing the commitment to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
The decision to extradite these cartel figures is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards the U.S. amidst negotiations to avoid trade tariffs. President Trump had pushed for Mexico to intensify its efforts against cartels, illegal immigration, and drug production.
Former DEA chief of international operations, Mike Vigil, hailed the extradition as a historic moment for the Drug Enforcement Administration. The handover of Caro Quintero, a former Guadalajara cartel leader, who had been involved in the brutal murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, holds significant symbolic value.
The extradition of Caro Quintero was a result of weeks of diplomatic negotiations and pressure from the U.S. government. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially allowing for prosecution on charges beyond drug trafficking.
Alongside Caro Quintero, the extradition included other high-profile individuals such as the Treviño Morales brothers, leaders of the now defunct Los Zetas cartel. The extradition marks the end of a long process that saw these individuals running criminal operations from behind bars.
Analysts view this extradition as a significant concession by Mexico to the U.S., reflecting a renewed commitment to combating drug trafficking. However, the decision also raises concerns about potential backlash from drug cartels against the Mexican government.
The extradition of these individuals highlights the ongoing challenges in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Goodman reported from Miami. Megan Janetsky contributed to this report from Mexico City.
Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Originally Published:
