Mexico has handed over 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States in the latest major deal with the Trump administration, as US authorities intensify pressure on criminal networks smuggling drugs across the border. The transfers were announced on Tuesday by Mexico’s attorney general’s office and security ministry, following a US justice department promise not to seek the death penalty in any of the cases.
Among those extradited is Abigael González Valencia, a leader of “Los Cuinis”, a group closely aligned with the notorious Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG). Another individual, Roberto Salazar, is accused of participating in the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles county sheriff’s deputy. The extradition marks the second time in months that Mexico has expelled cartel figures amid mounting US pressure to curb drug flows.
In February, Mexico handed over 29 cartel figures, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who was behind the 1985 killing of a US Drug Enforcement Administration agent. Those transfers came days before 25% tariffs on Mexican imports were due to take effect. Late last month, President Donald Trump spoke with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and agreed to postpone threatened 30% tariffs for 90 days to allow for negotiations.
Sheinbaum has shown a willingness to cooperate on security more than her predecessor, particularly in pursuing cartels, but has drawn a line on Mexico’s sovereignty, rejecting US military intervention. The Trump administration has designated CJNG and seven other Latin American organised crime groups as foreign terrorist organisations. González Valencia, brother-in-law of CJNG leader Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, was arrested in 2015 in Puerto Vallarta and had been fighting extradition since.
