Mexican authorities have publicly acknowledged transferring at least 26 suspected cartel kingpins to the United States. This action demonstrates the country’s commitment to its tireless fight against organized crime. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announces the capture of prisoners most wanted for drug trafficking and other crimes. These people were tied to some of the most infamous networks like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel.
The operation depended on a massive logistical tail. Almost a thousand law enforcement officers, 90 cruisers and a dozen military helicopters participated. A U.S government drone flew above central Mexico throughout the operation. This special request from Mexican authorities for this non-military asset stems from their desire to pursue an ongoing investigation. Minister García Harfuch highlighted the fact that this mass transfer wasn’t the result of any larger negotiations with the U.S. In fact, he directly rebutted speculation that tied it to ongoing tariff talks.
“This transfer is one of the largest of its kind, following a similar operation in February that saw 29 alleged cartel leaders extradited,” García Harfuch stated. He elaborated on why he has made these transfers, acknowledging their key role in maintaining public safety, which he called the primary responsibility of government.
“These transfers are not only a strategic measure to ensure public safety, but also reflect a firm determination to prevent these criminals from continuing to operate from within prisons and to break up their networks of influence.” – Omar García Harfuch
This change comes just as Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is facing mounting heat from the Trump administration. They’re pushing for more aggressive actions against cartels and illegal fentanyl lab production. Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who once headed the same cartel, recently pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. His forthcoming plea agreement adds a new and unusual layer to these complex dynamics. Guzmán is allegedly pursuing an agreement for a reduced sentence in return for his cooperation with U.S. prosecutors.
Observers emphasize that these activities are misleadingly presented as fulfilling U.S. requests. With great promise come great risks. On Twitter, fellow security expert David Saucedo warned that if mass prisoner transfers continued, they’d only incur more violence in Mexico.
“Little by little, Mexico is following through with this demand by the Americans to deliver drug capos. It’s buying (the Mexican government) time.” – David Saucedo
