Mexico extradites 26 cartel members to US in deal with Trump administration

Mexico extradited 26 high-ranking cartel figures to the United States as part of a deal it struck with the Trump administration in an effort to curb the threat of US tariffs on Mexican imports.

“These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores, under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement, adding that the US is grateful for Mexico's collaboration in the matter.

“This transfer is yet another example of what is possible when two governments stand united against violence and impunity,” US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said.

"Both of our nations will be safer from these common enemies,” he added.

The deal marks a significant milestone for the US, where the crackdown on drug cartels remains a key priority for the Justice Department.

In February, Mexico similarly transferred 29 drug cartel members, including notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, to its neighbouring country.

The move comes as Mexican officials try to avert US President Donald Trump's threat to impose steep tariffs on Mexican imports.

Late last month, the US President spoke with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum and agreed to delay the proposed 30% tariffs for 90 days to allow time for further negotiations.

Compared to her predecessor, Sheinbaum has shown a greater willingness to cooperate on security issues. She has, however, remained firm in her stance on Mexico's sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others about the possibility of a US military intervention.

Those handed over include Servando "La Tuta" Gómez Martinez, one of Mexcio's most-wanted drug lords and leader of the Knights Templar cartel, Abigael González Valencia, a head of a group aligned with notorious cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), Roberto Salazar, who is wanted in connection to the killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy in 2008, and other prominent figures with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and other violent drug trafficking groups.

The cartel members were transferred to the States after the Justice Department agreed not to seek the deaht penalty against any of the defendants sent ot the US in February.