Mexico sends 37 accused drug gang members to the US

January 22, 2026

Mexican authorities have extradited 37 alleged cartel members to the United States for trial, representing the third wave of such transfers in the past year under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration. The move comes amid mounting pressure from President Trump, who has threatened military strikes against drug cartels operating within Mexican territory. This latest extradition brings the total number of prisoners transferred to the US during Trump's second term to 92, with inmates transported via armed aircraft to various American cities.

Who is affected

37 alleged cartel members extradited to the US
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government (facing accusations of appeasing Trump)
Major drug cartels and gangs in Mexico
US prosecutors and the Justice Department
The American people (referenced as victims of cartel crimes)
Previously extradited inmates (26 in August, additional transfers in February, totaling 92 during Trump's second administration)

What action is being taken

Mexican authorities are extraditing 37 alleged cartel members to the US
President Sheinbaum's government is pursuing an aggressive crackdown on drug trafficking
The US Justice Department is implementing a broader strategy to "destroy the cartels"
Trump is making threats against countries in the region including Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia

Why it matters

This extradition effort represents a significant escalation in US-Mexico cooperation on drug trafficking amid heightened tensions and Trump's threats of military intervention. The transfers demonstrate Mexico's attempt to address American concerns about cartel violence and fentanyl trafficking while maintaining claims of national sovereignty. The action is particularly significant as it occurs against a backdrop of Trump's increasingly aggressive foreign policy toward Latin America, including his recent seizure of Venezuela's former president, raising questions about the balance between bilateral cooperation and US pressure on regional governments.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC