Mexican authorities transferred 29 crime bosses involved in criminal activities to the United States, where they could face the death penalty. The Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) carried out the delivery of the criminals based on the National Security Law and the Constitution, avoiding the term extradition, according to Alejandro Gertz Manero.
In a press conference, Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security, mentioned that there was a possibility that some of these criminals could be released or that their extradition processes could be delayed. The modification of the National Security Law in 2021 establishes various threats to national security, justifying the transfer of the bosses due to foreign interference and other actions affecting the State.
The official statement from the FGR and the Secretary of Security indicated that a formal transfer and delivery of the criminals was made at the request of the United States Department of Justice. Although they were protected to avoid extradition, the Mexican government invoked the national interest to annul these protections, according to consulted sources.
Among those captured is Rafael Caro Quintero, accused of various serious crimes such as drug trafficking, murders, and money laundering. His involvement in the murder of Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, a DEA agent, is highlighted. If they had been extradited, the bosses would not have faced the death penalty, but upon being handed over, they could be sentenced to this penalty in the United States.
The reaction from the White House was to inform that President Trump ordered the extradition of the drug traffickers, including Caro Quintero. The brutal murder of Camarena in 1985 was mentioned, and the captured individuals were labeled as "terrorists" who must face justice. The Trump administration is focused on bringing these criminals to justice and providing a response to American citizens affected by their criminal actions.
