Historic Cartel Transfer: Mexico Sends 26 High-Ranking Drug Lords to U.S.

In a significant move reinforcing cross-border security cooperation, Mexico has extradited 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States. This latest transfer marks a major achievement for the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to dismantle powerful criminal networks responsible for smuggling illicit drugs into American communities.

Among those handed over to U.S. custody is Abigael González Valencia, a key leader of “Los Cuinis,” a group with strong ties to the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Also included is Roberto Salazar, wanted in connection with the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, alongside other prominent individuals linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and various violent drug trafficking organizations.

This extradition is the second such large-scale transfer in recent months, underscoring the mounting pressure from the U.S. to curb the flow of narcotics. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi commended the collaboration, stating, “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 against this country.”

The transfers follow an agreement where the Justice Department pledged not to seek the death penalty against any of the defendants. This cooperation comes amidst ongoing high-level diplomatic engagement, including a recent conversation between President Trump and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, where a threatened 30% tariff on Mexican imports was deferred for 90 days to allow for further negotiations. President Sheinbaum has indicated a willingness to enhance security cooperation with the U.S., particularly in combating cartels, while firmly asserting Mexico’s sovereignty against any U.S. military intervention, a topic reportedly discussed following recent reports of President Trump directing the military to target cartels in Latin America.

The extradition of these figures, some of whom have been fighting transfer for years, represents a critical step in disrupting major drug operations and bringing those responsible for violence and drug proliferation to justice in U.S. courts.

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