Caro Quintero, 72 years old, pleaded not guilty in a court in Brooklyn, New York, on February 28. His case could result in the death penalty because his extradition was not carried out through the standard procedure, which prohibits such a sentence for Mexicans extradited under that scheme.
A report mentions a call between the Head of Government of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the newspaper, Trump praised Sheinbaum, calling her "tough" during a conversation where trade and security issues were discussed. In that call, Trump decided to postpone a tariff on Mexican products included in the USMCA until April 2.
The New York Times highlights that Sheinbaum has gained respect among key U.S. government officials for her performance on migration and security issues, particularly in the fight against fentanyl trafficking. Stephen Miller, a national security advisor, is mentioned as one of the officials who supports Sheinbaum's actions.
During a subsequent call, Sheinbaum outlined the actions implemented by her administration against undocumented migration and drug trafficking. On the other hand, Sheinbaum avoided commenting on a New York Times report stating that her cellphone was hacked after the extradition of 29 drug trafficking leaders to the United States.
The newspaper mentions that the hacking occurred shortly after the extradition of the traffickers on February 27, including Rafael Caro Quintero, founder of the Guadalajara Cartel accused of the murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. The New York Times described the extradition of the 29 kingpins as one of the most bold actions of the Mexican government in its commitment against drug trafficking.
