Mexico hands over 26 top cartel leaders to Trump in latest victory

The Trump administration’s latest effort to stand “against violence and impunity” found more than two dozen cartel leaders handed over to the American justice system.

Upon his return to the White House, President Donald Trump’s mission to restore law and order included a day-one order designating international cartels and others as foreign terrorist organizations. Tuesday, the Justice Department confirmed that negotiations with Mexico secured the extradition of a second wave of fugitives whose alleged crimes include drug and human smuggling.

“Today is the latest example of the Trump administration’s historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations,” read a statement from Attorney General Pam Bondi as 26 fugitives were named in a press release.  “These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores — under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country. We are grateful to Mexico’s National Security team for their collaboration in this matter.”

26 Fugitives Wanted for Violent and Serious Crimes Returned to the United States from Mexico Including Leaders of Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Alien Smuggling Organizationhttps://t.co/c4XnQthCPu

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) August 13, 2025

Abigael González Valencia from the Los Cuinis cartel, brother-in-law to Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, was among those highlighted by the Associated Press. As were Roberto Salazar, accused of taking part in the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy, and Knights Templar cartel head Servando Gómez Martinez, a former school teacher known as “La Tuta.”

As most of the men transferred to the U.S. on Tuesday face up to life in prison if convicted, it was reported that the deal with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and Security Ministry included an agreement from the U.S. Justice Department not to seek the death penalty.

“This transfer is yet another example of what is possible when two governments stand united against violence and impunity,” expressed U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson in a statement that praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for “her leadership in strengthening the partnership with [Trump] and the United States against our common enemies for mutual benefit of our citizens.”

We recognize @GabSeguridadMX for its dedication and commitment. This action reflects the strength of our bilateral cooperation as sovereign partners and our shared commitment to ensure our people’s security and well being. https://t.co/XbuqLNtmNK

— Embajador Ronald Johnson (@USAmbMex) August 13, 2025

“These fugitives will now face justice in U.S. courts, and the citizens of both of our nations will be safer from these common enemies,” added Johnson.

Having already secured the extradition of 29 drug lords from Mexico in February, Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly told Fox News Digital, “President Trump’s top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he took the bold step to designate several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.”

The latest cooperation with America’s southern neighbor comes amid ongoing trade negotiations that once more saw tariff implementation put on hold. It also follows reports claiming the U.S. military had been authorized by Trump to move against cartels in Mexico, a matter that found Sheinbaum stating Friday, “We cooperate, we collaborate, but there is not going to be an invasion.”

“It’s off the table, absolutely off the table,” she added.