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Mexico extradites 26 inmates wanted over cartel links to US

August 12, 2025

Mexico has extradited 26 high-profile drug cartel suspects to the United States, marking the second major transfer of this kind in 2023. The extradited individuals include key operatives from major Mexican criminal organizations, particularly the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, who face violent crime charges in American courts. This transfer comes amid continued US pressure on Mexico to combat drug trafficking across the shared border, including threats of tariffs.

Who is affected

  • High-profile drug cartel suspects and operatives
  • The Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel members
  • Specific individuals like Roberto Salazar (alleged murderer of an LA County sheriff's deputy) and Abigael González Valencia (alias El Cuini, a top financial boss for CJNG)
  • Mexican and US law enforcement agencies
  • Communities affected by cartel violence and drug trafficking
  • US court system handling the cases

What action is being taken

  • Mexico is extraditing 26 high-profile drug cartel suspects to the United States
  • The US is prosecuting these individuals in American courts for violent offenses and links to organized crime
  • Mexican and US authorities are collaborating on addressing fentanyl trafficking
  • The Mexican government is responding to White House demands for stronger action against cartels
  • The US is maintaining pressure on Mexico to crack down on drug trafficking, including through tariff threats

Why it matters

  • The extraditions demonstrate continued cooperation between Mexico and the US on combating powerful drug cartels
  • This transfer represents President Sheinbaum's government responding to US pressure regarding border security and drug trafficking
  • The action targets key financial and operational figures in major cartels, potentially disrupting their activities
  • It follows a significant February extradition of 29 prisoners, showing a pattern of increased enforcement
  • The extraditions may help Mexico avoid threatened US tariffs related to cross-border smuggling concerns

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

Mexico extradites 26 inmates wanted over cartel links to US