On Thursday, February 27, U.S. authorities received Rafael ‘Caro’ Quintero and 28 other Mexican drug lords, who could face the death penalty. This action came after an increase in security measures and arrests in Mexico against the drug cartels, due to Donald Trump's pressure to impose a 25 percent tariff starting March 4.
In a statement released by the DEA, it was mentioned that the White House is negotiating from a position of strength, with a Attorney General willing to lead with courage and ferocity. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove emphasized that by prosecuting these defendants to the full extent of the law, the memory of the victims, including Special Agent Camarena, is honored.
Regarding ‘Caro’ Quintero, known for the murder of DEA agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, authorities stated: "No matter how long it takes, no matter how far they run, justice will find them." The DEA considered the capture of the Mexican drug lord a victory for the Camarena family, and even 'Kiki' Camarena Jr., who is a judge, contributed to his detention by handing over his father's handcuffs upon arriving on U.S. soil.
U.S. authorities sent a clear message to cartel leaders, traffickers, and criminals, ensuring that they will be held accountable for their actions. It was highlighted that Rafael Caro Quintero, who was on the DEA's most wanted fugitives list for four decades, will finally face justice in the United States.
On the other hand, on Friday, February 28, Mexican authorities explained that the 29 drug traffickers were not extradited but handed over to the United States. According to Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security, there was a risk that the drug traffickers could be released or that their extradition processes could be delayed due to agreements with some judges.
Alejandro Gertz Manero, the Republic’s attorney general, justified the handover of the 29 Mexican drug traffickers through Article 5 of the National Security Law and Article 89 of the Constitution. He indicated that, according to the law, these generators of violence were sent, not extradited, to the United States.
