In a significant move to combat drug trafficking, Mexico has handed over 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States on Tuesday.
This transfer represents a critical step in the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle dangerous criminal networks smuggling drugs across the border.
Among those delivered into U.S. custody is Abigael González Valencia, a prominent leader of ‘Los Cuinis,’ a group closely affiliated with the notorious Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG).
Additionally, Roberto Salazar, wanted for his alleged involvement in the 2008 murder of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, was included in the group.
Other detainees have known connections to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel and various other violent drug trafficking organizations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the seriousness of these individuals’ actions, 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.”
Bondi also expressed gratitude towards Mexico’s National Security team for their collaboration in this effort.
The transfer marks the second time in months Mexico has expelled cartel figures accused of serious crimes, including narcotics trafficking and murder, due to escalating pressure from the Trump administration to address the drug crisis affecting American communities.
In a related initiative earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order designating the CJNG, Sinaloa, and several other cartels, including MS-13 and Cártel del Noreste, as foreign terrorist organizations.
The recent transfers were facilitated after the Justice Department agreed not to pursue the death penalty against any of the defendants being sent to the United States.
Previously, 29 cartel figures were transferred, including Rafael Caro Quintero, linked to the killing of a U.S. DEA agent in 1985.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson commented on the cooperation between the two nations, stating, “This transfer is yet another example of what is possible when two governments stand united against violence and impunity.
These fugitives will now face justice in U.S. courts, and the citizens of both of our nations will be safer from these common enemies.”
In the lead-up to the transfers, Mexican officials engaged in tactical negotiations with the Trump administration to avoid the imposition of tariffs on Mexican imports.
Just last month, President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to delay threatened 30% tariffs for an additional 90 days to allow for further talks.
Sheinbaum seems more open to cooperating on security issues, actively pursuing Mexico’s cartels, in contrast to her predecessor.
However, she has firmly rejected any notion of U.S. military intervention in Mexico, responding to suggestions made by President Trump.
Reports have indicated that President Trump directed the U.S. military to target drug cartels in Latin America, an action that Sheinbaum firmly dismissed, asserting, “There will be no invasion of Mexico.”
Included in the September 26 transfer was Servando Gómez Martinez, known as ‘La Tuta’.
Gómez, who once held the title of one of Mexico’s most-wanted drug lords during his leadership of the Knights Templar cartel, was captured in 2015 and received a 55-year sentence in a Mexican prison in June 2019.
His cartel, notorious for its religious posturing and absolute control over Michoacán, had a well-documented history of violence and corruption, despite its claimed ethical stance on family and devotion to God.
Abigael González Valencia, specifically, is closely related to the CJNG leader Nemesio Rubén ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, a primary target for U.S. authorities.
Valencia was arrested in February 2015 in Puerto Vallarta and had been contesting his extradition to the U.S. since his capture.
The U.S. government has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of ‘El Mencho.’
Alongside his brothers, Abigael Gonzalez Valencia played a vital role in financing and fostering the growth of CJNG, which is involved in the trafficking of significant quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl to America and other countries.
The CJNG is known for its extreme levels of violence, torture, and corruption, making them one of the most fearsome entities within the realm of drug trafficking worldwide.
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