Mexico Extradites 29 Alleged Cartel Members to the U.S., Including Top Drug Lord

Mexico just pulled off one of its biggest extraditions ever, sending 29 alleged cartel members to the U.S.

This includes some of the most infamous names in drug trafficking, marking a major shift in security cooperation between the two countries.

One of the most high-profile names on the list is Rafael Caro Quintero, the drug lord behind the 1985 kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena.

Quintero, a founding member of the Guadalajara Cartel, was arrested in the ‘80s, served 28 years, and was unexpectedly released in 2013.

That move outraged the U.S., which kept him on its radar until he was recaptured in 2022—thanks to a Navy dog sniffing him out in the bushes. Now in his 70s, he’s expected to appear in a New York court on Friday.

Also extradited are Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales (Z-40) and Omar Treviño Morales (Z-42), the former leaders of the ruthless Zetas Cartel. Miguel was captured in 2013, Omar in 2015. Both were wanted for leading one of the most violent criminal organizations, responsible for drug trafficking, mass killings, kidnappings, and extortion. Their cartel’s reach extended beyond Mexico, with connections to the global drug trade.

The Mexican government said in a statement, “They were wanted for their links to criminal organizations for drug trafficking, among other crimes.” It also emphasized that the transfers were done “under institutional protocols with due respect for their fundamental rights.”

This mass extradition follows pressure from the U.S., with Donald Trump previously threatening tariffs on Mexican imports if the country didn’t do more to stop drug trafficking and illegal migration.

By handing over these high-profile criminals, Mexico is making a clear statement about its commitment to fighting organized crime.

A complete list of all defendants:

1. CANOBBIO-INZUNZA, Jose Angel – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel

2. VALENCIA GONZALEZ, Norberto – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
3. MARIN SOTELO, Alder – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
4. CRUZ SANCHEZ, Evaristo – Associated with the Gulf Cartel
5. GARCIA VILLANO, also known as “La Kena,” “19,” and “Ciclone 19” – Associated with the Gulf Cartel
6. HERNANDEZ LECHUGA, Lucio – Associated with the Gulf Cartel
7. PEREZ MORENO, Ramiro – Associated with the Gulf Cartel
8. RODRIGUEZ DIAZ, Miguel Angel, also known as “Metro” – Associated with the Gulf Cartel
9. VILLARREAL HERNANDEZ, Jose Rodolfo – Associated with the Gulf Cartel
10. CARO QUINTERO, Rafael – Associated with the Guadalajara Cartel
11. CARRILLO FUENTES, Vicente – Associated with the Juarez Cartel
12. CABRERA CABRERA, Jose Bibiano – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
13. CLARK, Andrew – Associated with the Mexican Mafia
14. INFANTE, Hector Eduardo – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
15. LIMON LOPEZ, Jesus Humberto – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
16. TAPIA QUINTERO, Jose Guadalupe – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
17. TORRES ACOSTA, Inez Enrique – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
18. GALAVIZ VEGA, Jesus – Associated with the Juarez Cartel
19. MENDEZ ESTEVANE, Luis Geraldo – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
20. MONSIVAIS TREVINO, Carlos Alberto – Associated with the Zetas Cartel
21. ALGREDO VAZQUEZ, Carlos – Associated with the Zetas Cartel
22. LOPEZ IBARRA, Rodolfo – Associated with the Zetas Cartel
23. OSEGUERA CERVANTES, Antonio – Associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
24. RANGEL BUENDIA, Alfredo – Associated with the Zetas Cartel
25. TREVINO MORALES, Miguel Angel, also known as “Z-40” – Associated with the Zetas Cartel
26. TREVINO MORALES, Omar, also known as “Z-42” – Associated with the Zetas Cartel
27. VALENCIA SALAZAR, Erick – Associated with the Sinaloa Cartel
28. MENDEZ VARGAS, Jesus – Associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
29. PALACIOS GARCIA, Itiel – Associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)

With these figures now facing American courts, the focus shifts to what’s next—both for the cartels and for U.S.-Mexico relations.