Sovereign decision, not extradition: FGR on transferring 26 drug traffickers to the EU; all accused of major criminal activities
The mass transfer of notorious criminals, including Servando Gómez, also known as "La Tuta," and Abigael González Valencia, known as "El Cuini," from Mexican prisons to the United States is a strategic move to prevent these individuals from exploiting legal mechanisms that could lead to early release or escape, posing significant risks to the ongoing fight against organized crime within Mexico.
Many cartel figures had obtained court injunctions to be held in low-security prisons or were in danger of receiving rulings that would facilitate their transfer to less-guarded state prisons. These judicial allowances increased the risk of their escape or continued illicit operations. Lawsuits and legal appeals also sought their early release, which could have severely undermined efforts to combat organized crime and been an affront to victims.
For instance, Abigael González Valencia, linked to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), faced transfer to the U.S. to reduce such risks. The CJNG is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, highlighting the seriousness of this cartel's threat, especially in activities like trafficking tons of cocaine into the U.S.
The implications for Mexico's national security strategy against extortion and organized crime include:
- Preventing high-profile criminals from manipulating the judicial system to reduce their custody security, which weakens cartel operations inside Mexico.
- Disrupting cartel leadership continuity, which can hinder extortion networks that depend on local criminal bosses.
- Strengthening cross-border cooperation with the U.S. to impose harsher security measures and limit criminal influence.
- Sending a strong signal to cartels that the government will not tolerate legal loopholes that aid their operations.
This transfer approach reflects a component of Mexico’s broader security strategy: removing dangerous leaders from domestic influence while collaborating with the U.S. to tackle transnational drug trafficking and extortion networks effectively.
In addition to the 26 people transferred, 27 alleged members of the CJNG were arrested in Aguascalientes, and the US embassy highlighted FBI training in the operation. The transfer of these individuals had extradition orders and faces investigations for high-impact crimes in the U.S., including human trafficking, homicide, drug trafficking, firearm offenses, money laundering, and organized crime.
The Attorney General stated that the fundamental tasks of defending society will be fulfilled without any obstacle. This transfer was a sovereign decision, not an extradition, and the Attorney General's Office, along with various security forces, including the Secretariat of National Defense, Navy, National Guard, Secretariat of Security and Civil Protection, and the Attorney General's Office, participated in the transfer. The operation was carried out from the Number 1 Air Force Base, using 11 aircraft of the National Defense and one aircraft of the Navy.
[1] Source: Various news outlets, including BBC News, Reuters, and The Guardian.
World leaders and governments are closely monitoring the transfer of dangerous cartel figures, such as Abigael González Valencia, also known as "El Cuini," from Mexican prisons to the United States. This general-news story highlights the strategic move to prevent these individuals from exploiting legal mechanisms in politics that could lead to early release or escape, posing significant risks to the ongoing fight against crime and justice globally.