Recently, Mexico extradited 26 high-ranking cartel members to the United States. This move is part of ongoing efforts to tighten crackdowns on drug smuggling as U.S. authorities increase pressure on these criminal networks.
Among those extradited is Abigael González Valencia, a key figure in the “Los Cuinis” cartel, known for its close ties to the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Another notable extradition is Roberto Salazar, who is wanted for the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy. The group also includes individuals connected to the Sinaloa Cartel and Los Zetas.
The Justice Department agreed not to pursue death penalty charges against these individuals, a move that likely facilitated their transfer. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office confirmed the extradition but has not released names yet, with plans for a press conference to follow.
This is the second major extradition in recent months. In February, Mexico sent 29 cartel members to the U.S., including notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, wanted for the murder of a DEA agent in 1985.
The ongoing cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. highlights shifting political dynamics. While President Claudia Sheinbaum is more committed than her predecessor to tackling cartel violence, she maintains Mexico’s sovereignty, resisting calls for U.S. military intervention.
The Trump administration has prioritized dismantling drug cartels, recently designating CJNG and several other Latin American crime organizations as foreign terrorist groups. This classification allows U.S. authorities to pursue terrorism charges against cartel members, amplifying the seriousness of their offenses.
Abigael González Valencia’s brother-in-law, Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, is a prime target for U.S. law enforcement. The U.S. government has issued a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. González Valencia, who was arrested in 2015, had been fighting his extradition since.
His cartel, CJNG, is infamous for its brutal tactics, including violence and torture, while trafficking large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl across borders.
Increased violence and drug trafficking have sparked public concern. Social media often buzzes with debates on the effectiveness of government strategies against cartels. Users frequently express doubt about whether the current measures will lead to lasting change.
As of now, the battle against drug cartels continues, with both the U.S. and Mexican governments under pressure to secure their borders and communities from the threats posed by these organizations.
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