A survey conducted by Heraldo Media Group and QM revealed that the majority of Mexican citizens agree with President Claudia Sheinbaum's decision to extradite 29 high-profile drug lords to the United States. The study, conducted between March 3 and 4, 2025, among a representative sample of 400 people with a margin of error of +/- 4.9%, showed that 64% of respondents are aware of these recent extraditions and approve of the transfer of the drug lords to the United States.
When asked for their opinion on the extradition, 64% expressed agreement or strong agreement with the measure, considering it appropriate to combat impunity. Furthermore, the survey revealed that 72% of Mexicans describe the actions of judges in Mexico as "aberrant and offensive," stating that the judicial system has allowed the release of high-impact criminals. This perception reinforces public support for the strategy of direct extradition to the United States.
The study also indicated that 72% endorse Sheinbaum's assertion of judicial corruption as a key obstacle in the fight against organized crime. These data illustrate social frustration with judicial corruption and the lack of effective punishment against organized crime in Mexico.
With these results, the federal administration could strengthen its narrative about binational cooperation in security and the direct fight against cartels, prioritizing extradition as a key tool to prevent criminals from being released due to deficiencies in the Mexican justice system.
Among those extradited are names such as Rafael Caro Quintero and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, who will face trials on U.S. territory. According to the survey, 64% of respondents stated they are aware of these transfers, while only 33% claimed to be unaware of them.
