Mexico handed over 37 cartel members to the United States as per the request of the U.S. Justice Department, announced Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday, emphasizing that it was a decision made independently by her government. Sheinbaum addressed criticisms from analysts and opponents who suggested that the transfers on Tuesday were a response to growing pressure from Washington. President Donald Trump had previously threatened military action against the cartels.
Despite the transfers being initiated at the U.S. government’s request, Sheinbaum clarified that the decision was made by the National Security Council after a thorough evaluation of what was deemed beneficial for Mexico’s national security. She emphasized that Mexico’s interests were prioritized above all else, reaffirming the sovereign nature of the decision during her regular morning press briefing.
Sheinbaum, recognized for her adept handling of relations with Trump, has navigated a delicate balance between meeting the demands of the Trump administration and demonstrating strength both domestically and internationally. Observers noted that the Mexican government utilized the transfers as a means to alleviate pressure from Trump and demonstrate a crackdown on criminal groups.
Tensions escalated following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela to arrest former President Nicolás Maduro for extradition to the U.S., causing unease among leaders in Latin America. The individuals transferred to the U.S. on Tuesday were purported members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Sinaloa Cartel, and other designated terrorist organizations. This marks the third such transfer in the past year, with a total of 92 individuals sent by Mexico to the U.S.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the transfer as a significant milestone in the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the cartels. The U.S. Justice Department commended Mexico’s collaboration, describing the move as a crucial step in advancing the shared interests of both nations. Bondi emphasized that the cartel members, including those from the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, would face justice for their crimes on American soil.
The U.S. Justice Department disclosed that at least one of the transferred individuals, Armando Gómez Núñez, a senior leader of CJNG, had already been indicted for drug-related offenses and possession of firearms and explosive devices. In a previous instance in August, Mexico’s security minister acknowledged that some cartel leaders transferred to the U.S. were conducting criminal activities from within prison, prompting their extradition to prevent potential release due to judicial rulings.