Mexico extradited 37 alleged cartel members to the United States on Tuesday, a move President Claudia Sheinbaum described as a “sovereign decision” made in accordance with national interest and security.
Sheinbaum said Wednesday that while the transfer followed a formal request from the U.S. Justice Department, it was approved by Mexico’s National Security Council after considering what would best serve the country.
“Mexico is put first above all else, even if they ask for whatever they have to ask for. It is a sovereign decision,” Sheinbaum said during a news briefing.
The individuals extradited include alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, as well as individuals linked to other criminal organizations. The United States has designated both major cartels as terrorist groups. This is Mexico’s third such transfer over the past year, bringing the total number of extradited individuals to 92.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the transfer a “landmark achievement,” stating that the suspects “will now pay for their crimes against the American people on American soil.” The Department of Justice described the handover as an “important step” in bilateral cooperation on security.
Some analysts and opposition figures in Mexico said the decision responded to increasing pressure from Washington, where President Donald Trump has previously threatened military action against drug cartels.
Sheinbaum has sought to maintain a cooperative relationship with the Trump administration while asserting independence in decision-making. Observers say extraditions may serve as diplomatic gestures to demonstrate efforts against organized crime.
Tensions in the region have risen following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro. That action drew concern from several Latin American governments.
In August, Mexico’s security minister acknowledged that several cartel leaders sent to the U.S. had continued operations from prison and that some transfers were made to prevent potential releases due to court rulings.
