Mexico has extradited 37 cartel members to the United States following a request from the U.S. Justice Department, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum defended the decision as a “sovereign choice” made by her government in response to growing pressure from Washington. President Donald Trump has previously threatened military action against cartels.
While the transfers were made at the U.S. government’s behest, Sheinbaum emphasized that the decision was ultimately taken by the National Security Council after a thorough assessment of Mexico’s national interests and security. She stated during a press briefing that Mexico’s priorities come first, regardless of external requests.
Sheinbaum, who has been commended for her diplomatic handling of relations with Trump, faces the challenge of balancing concessions to the U.S. while projecting strength domestically and internationally.
Observers suggest that Mexico used the extraditions to demonstrate its commitment to combating criminal groups and to ease pressure from the Trump administration. Tensions have escalated following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela targeting then President Nicolás Maduro.
The individuals sent to the U.S. include members of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel, both designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S., among others. This marks the third such transfer in the past year, with a total of 92 individuals extradited to the U.S. by Mexico.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the extradition as a significant achievement in the Trump administration’s anti-cartel efforts. The U.S. Justice Department praised Mexico’s collaboration, describing the move as an important step in addressing shared security concerns.
Bondi stated that the extradited individuals, including alleged terrorists from the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, would face justice for their crimes on American soil. At least one of the extradited individuals, Armando Gómez Núñez, a senior CJNG leader, has been indicted for drug offenses and possession of firearms and explosive devices.
In a previous statement, Mexico’s security minister acknowledged that some extradited cartel leaders were still operating criminal activities from prison, prompting their transfer to prevent potential release due to legal rulings.
