Mexico Extradites 37 Alleged Cartel Operatives to US Under Bilateral Security Deal

Mexican authorities have transferred 37 alleged members of criminal organisations to the United States, citing national security concerns and ongoing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Mexico’s Security Minister, Omar García Harfuch, announced the move on Tuesday, saying the detainees posed a serious threat to public safety. In a statement shared on X, he said the transfer was carried out by Mexico’s Security Cabinet in line with the country’s National Security Law.

“This morning, 37 criminal organisation operators who represented a real risk to the security of the country were transferred to the United States,” García said. He added that the operation was conducted under established cooperation mechanisms with US authorities and with full respect for Mexico’s sovereignty.

García noted that, at the request of the US Department of Justice, Mexican authorities secured assurances that the death penalty would not be sought against the transferred suspects.

The detainees were flown aboard seven military aircraft to multiple destinations in the United States, including Washington, D.C., Houston, New York, Pennsylvania, San Antonio and San Diego.

According to the security minister, the latest transfer brings to 92 the number of what he described as “high-impact criminals” sent to the United States under the current administration, arguing that their removal would help reduce violence within Mexico.

Mexico had earlier transferred 29 alleged cartel members to the United States in February, followed by another 26 in August.