Mexico is transferring 26 high-ranking cartel members to U.S. custody in a sweeping operation coordinated with the Trump administration, as American authorities intensify pressure on criminal networks fueling the cross-border drug trade, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The cartel leaders and other prominent figures were being flown from Mexico to the United States on Tuesday, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the operation was still underway. Among them is Abigael González Valencia, a top leader of “Los Cuinis,” a group closely allied with the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Also on the list is Roberto Salazar, accused in the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and Security Ministry confirmed the transfers, noting they were carried out after the U.S. Justice Department assured Mexican authorities it would not seek the death penalty in any of the cases.
This marks the second mass transfer of cartel suspects in recent months. In February, Mexico turned over 29 cartel figures to U.S. authorities, including notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, wanted for the 1985 killing of a U.S. DEA agent.
The latest move underscores tightening U.S.-Mexico cooperation against organized crime and reflects growing pressure from Washington to stem the flow of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs into the United States.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
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