Mexico has recently extradited 29 alleged drug cartel members to the United States, a significant move that includes high-profile gang leaders. Among those extradited is the notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who has been wanted by the US for the murder of an American agent 40 years ago. This extradition, considered one of the biggest in Mexico’s history, signifies a major step in enhancing bilateral security relations between the two countries.

The extradition comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s previous threats to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, citing concerns about the country’s handling of drug trafficking and mass migration. In a statement, US Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the administration’s commitment to combating cartels, labeling them as terrorist groups and highlighting the dedication of law enforcement agents in protecting innocent individuals from the violence associated with these criminal organizations.

DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz lauded the extradition of Caro Quintero as a “victory for the Camarena family,” sending a clear message to all cartel leaders, traffickers, and criminals that they will be held accountable for their actions. The move reinforces the notion that justice will prevail regardless of the time or distance involved, as Quintero is expected to appear in court in New York following his extradition.

Additional fugitives who were extradited include the founders of the brutal Zetas Cartel – Miguel Angel Treviño and his brother Omar Treviño, known as Z-40 and Z-42, respectively. These individuals, responsible for leading a feared criminal organization involved in various illicit activities, faced charges both in the US and Mexico for their involvement in drug trafficking, kidnappings, and murders. The extradition of these key figures serves as a significant blow to organized crime and underscores the collaborative efforts between Mexico and the United States in combating transnational criminal activities.