Mexico hands over 26 cartel figures to the USA under the Trump administration

• Mexico handed over 26 cartel figures to the USA on September 12, 2025.
• Among those detained are key leaders associated with CJNG.
• The handover took place after a promise from the USA not to require the death penalty.

Mexico handed over 26 high-ranking cartel members to the USA as part of an agreement with the Trump administration, as American authorities are increasing pressure on criminal networks that supply narcotics across the border. The transfer occurred on September 12, 2025, when the detainees were flown from Mexico to the USA.

Among those handed over is Abigael Gonzales Valencia, the leader of the group "Los Cuinis," which is closely linked to the notorious cartel "Nueva Generación Jalisco" (CJNG). Another detainee, Roberto Salazar, is accused of being involved in the murder of the deputy sheriff of Los Angeles County in 2008.

The office of the Attorney General of Mexico confirmed the transfer, which took place after a promise from the US Department of Justice that no death penalty would be sought in any case. This is already the second such transfer in a few months, as in July, Mexico handed over 29 cartel figures to American authorities, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed readiness to cooperate on security issues, but also emphasized that the country would not agree to military intervention from the USA.

Tags: USA/Crime