Mexico extradited 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States in a major move coordinated with the Trump administration, reflecting intensified bilateral efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Among those transferred is Abigael González Valencia, a key figure in the “Los Cuinis” group and brother-in-law to CJNG leader “El Mencho,” as well as Roberto Salazar, wanted for the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy. The U.S. Justice Department agreed not to pursue the death penalty for any of the defendants, continuing a precedent set during a similar February extradition of 29 cartel members, including infamous drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero.
This latest transfer underscores growing cooperation between President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has taken a more aggressive stance against cartels than her predecessor. The timing of these extraditions aligns with U.S. tariff threats—25% tariffs were set to take effect days after the February transfer, and a 30% tariff was recently postponed for 90 days following negotiations between the two leaders. While Sheinbaum has shown willingness to collaborate on security, she has firmly rejected any suggestion of U.S. military intervention, citing concerns over Mexican sovereignty.
The Trump administration has made dismantling cartels a central priority, designating CJNG and other Latin American criminal organizations as foreign terrorist groups. This designation has enabled prosecutors to bring terrorism-related charges in some cartel cases. CJNG, known for its extreme violence and vast drug trafficking operations, has become one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico. The “Los Cuinis” group, led by González Valencia and his brothers, played a critical role in financing CJNG’s rise. One brother, José González Valencia, was sentenced to 30 years in U.S. prison in June for international cocaine trafficking, highlighting the reach and influence of these criminal networks.