Mexico sends 26 high-ranking cartel figures to US as part of major deal with Trump admin

Mexico on Tuesday agreed to send 26 of its high-ranking cartel members, who are wanted by the United States, over to its neighbor as part of a major deal with the Trump administration amid the U.S. crackdown on drug smuggling.

The Trump administration promised not to seek the death penalty for any of the cartel members, according to the Associated Press. It comes after the country sent 30 other highly-sought drug cartel members to the United States in February.

The new cartel members include Abigael González Valencia, a leader of the group “Los Cuinis,” which is closely aligned with the notorious cartel, Jalisco New Generation. Another person is wanted for the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy.

Mexico confirmed to the Associated Press that the 26 defendants were transferred to the United States, but did not identify the individuals. However, a press briefing on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday.

The deal comes after President Donald Trump allegedly signed an order directing the Department of Defense to use the military to fight Latin American drug cartels, which has been opposed by Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum. 

Trump has made the war on the drug cartels a top priority for his administration in his second term as the U.S. witnesses a devastating opioid epidemic, primarily fueled by fentanyl.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.