Mexico has extradited 37 cartel members to the United States in response to a request from the U.S. Justice Department. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the decision as a matter of sovereignty during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Sheinbaum addressed critics who suggested that the extraditions were a result of pressure from the U.S., particularly from President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action against cartels. She emphasized that the decision to transfer the individuals was made by Mexico’s National Security Council after careful consideration of the country’s interests and national security.
Stressing that Mexico prioritizes its own interests regardless of external requests, Sheinbaum reiterated the sovereignty of the decision. She has been commended for her balanced approach in managing relations with the Trump administration while maintaining a strong stance domestically and internationally.
Observers view the extraditions as a strategic move by the Mexican government to demonstrate action against criminal groups and alleviate pressure from the U.S. amid heightened tensions following military operations in Venezuela. The extradited individuals are reportedly associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Sinaloa Cartel, and other designated terrorist organizations.
This marks the third such transfer of cartel members to the U.S. within a year, totaling 92 individuals sent by Mexico. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the extradition as a significant step in combating cartels, emphasizing cooperation between the two countries. The U.S. Justice Department highlighted that the extradited individuals, including alleged terrorists, would face justice for crimes committed against Americans.
Among those extradited is Armando Gómez Núñez, a senior leader of CJNG indicted by the U.S. Justice Department for drug-related offenses and possession of weapons. Mexico’s security minister previously acknowledged that extraditing cartel leaders was necessary to prevent their potential release due to legal proceedings and to halt criminal activities conducted from prison.