Mexico extradites 26 alleged cartel members to U.S.

Twenty-six alleged cartel members are now in U.S. custody after Mexico extradited them to face charges ranging from drug trafficking to violent crimes.

(CNN)- Twenty-six alleged cartel members are now in U.S. custody after Mexico extradited them to face charges ranging from drug trafficking to violent crimes.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna says one suspect is accused of killing Deputy Juan Abel Escalante in 2008. “We have never forgotten our brother Deputy Juan Abel Escalante,” Luna said.

Mexican officials insist the move was not meant to please President Donald Trump, but to protect their own country. President Claudia Sheinbaum said the prisoners were continuing drug operations from behind bars, calling the extraditions “sovereign decisions” made for public safety.

U.S. prosecutors have agreed not to seek the death penalty, a decision experts say could prevent violent retaliation from the cartels. CNN’s Valeria León noted that the transfers may alarm drug kingpins who are accustomed to corruption within Mexico’s prison system.

Trump has repeatedly called the flow of fentanyl and other drugs across the southern border a national emergency — one reason he has pushed tariffs on Mexican imports. Those higher duties are currently on hold, with the administration citing Mexico’s cooperation.

“President Trump’s directive on day one was make America safe again, and that is stopping the deadly flow of cocaine and other drugs coming into our country,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.