The United States has taken custody of 29 defendants from Mexico, who face charges in various U.S. districts for crimes such as racketeering, drug trafficking, murder, illegal firearm use, and money laundering. These individuals are associated with drug cartels identified as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Among these groups are the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas), La Nueva Familia Michoacana, and Cártel del Golfo.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the Department of Justice's commitment to prosecuting these individuals. "As President Trump has made clear, cartels are terrorist groups, and this Department of Justice is devoted to destroying cartels and transnational gangs," she stated. FBI Director Kash Patel added that "the FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice."
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove noted that the actions reflect a strong stance by the White House and Attorney General Bondi. He remarked on honoring victims like Special Agent Camarena and Deputy Sheriff Byrd through rigorous prosecution efforts.
DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz highlighted the significance of capturing Rafael Caro Quintero, a long-sought cartel leader accused of violence across Mexico and the United States. "Today sends a message to every cartel leader... You will be held accountable," he said.
Many defendants had pending U.S. extradition requests that were previously unfulfilled but have now been honored by Mexico under President Trump's directive in Executive Order 14157. Federal prosecutors will assess if additional charges or capital punishment is appropriate based on current policies.
The list includes notable figures such as Martin Sotelo, Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, Ramiro Perez Moreno, Lucio Hernandez Lechuga, among others charged across multiple jurisdictions including Texas, New York, Illinois, Arizona, California, North Carolina, and Washington D.C.
Attorney General Bondi expressed gratitude towards various law enforcement agencies for their contributions to these investigations. She also acknowledged several U.S. Attorneys' Offices for managing these prosecutions.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.