The Mexican government announced this Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the extradition of 37 individuals identified as members of criminal organizations to the United States. This action occurs amid increased pressure from Washington for a more direct U.S. role in combating cartels within Mexican territory.
Increased Cooperation
Images released by the Secretariat of Security depicted the individuals, appearing subdued and restrained, being escorted by a significant security detail of police and military personnel onto aircraft of the Mexican Air Force. This is the third such extradition since 2025, bringing the total number of alleged criminals sent to the U.S. to 92.
The announcement followed a conversation between President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump just over a week prior. According to a statement on X from Public Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, “The action was carried out in accordance with National Security Law and under mechanisms of bilateral cooperation, with full respect for national sovereignty.”
Harfuch also stated that an agreement was reached ensuring the U.S. Justice system would not seek the death penalty for those extradited. The individuals were transported to Washington, Houston, New York, Pennsylvania, San Antonio (Texas), and San Diego (California) via seven military aircraft.
Among those delivered to U.S. authorities were Jorge Damián Román Figueroa, known as “El Soldado,” leader of “Los Malas-Mañas,” a criminal group linked to the Mayos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Pedro Inzunza Noriega, alias “El Señor de la Silla,” father of Pedro Inzunza Coronel, a high-ranking member of the Beltrán Leyva Cartel, who was sought by the U.S. on charges related to “narcoterrorism.”
Renewed Pressure from Washington
This extradition follows a pattern established since Trump’s return to power. On February 28, 2025, Mexico extradited 29 alleged drug traffickers, including Rafael Caro Quintero, wanted by the U.S. for the murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, as well as Miguel Ángel and Omar Treviño Morales, leaders of the Los Zetas organization.
A second extradition in August saw another 26 individuals sent to the U.S., including members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel. Servando Gómez Martínez, alias “La Tuta,” leader of La Familia Michoacana and Los Caballeros Templarios, was also among those extradited.
Mexico is currently facing increased pressure from the Trump administration to curb the flow of drugs, particularly the deadly fentanyl, into the United States. During their recent conversation, Trump again pressed Sheinbaum to allow U.S. troops to operate within Mexico to combat the cartels, a request Sheinbaum has consistently rejected.
Sheinbaum’s administration has reported successes in combating organized crime, citing a 50% decrease in fentanyl seizures at the U.S. border, a 40% reduction in intentional homicides in Mexico, and the seizure of 320 tons of drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this latest extradition?
This extradition occurred in the context of renewed pressure from the United States government, specifically from President Donald Trump, to address drug trafficking into the U.S., particularly fentanyl.
What assurances were given regarding the fate of those extradited?
The Mexican government stated that an agreement was reached with the U.S. Justice system not to seek the death penalty for the individuals extradited.
Where were the extradited individuals transported?
The 37 individuals were transported to Washington, Houston, New York, Pennsylvania, San Antonio (Texas), and San Diego (California) aboard seven military aircraft.
Given the ongoing pressures and the stated positions of both governments, what further steps might be taken in the U.S.-Mexico relationship regarding drug enforcement and security cooperation?
