Mexico Extradites 26 Alleged Cartel Members to US

Suspects face charges from drug trafficking and human smuggling to the killing of a U.S. sheriff’s deputy.

Mexican federal police escort who they identify as Servando "La Tuta" Gómez," leader of the Knights Templar cartel, as he sits inside helicopter at a Federal hanger in Mexico City on Feb. 27, 2015. Eduardo Verdugo/AP Photo

Mexico extradited 26 alleged cartel members to the United States on Aug. 12, including high-ranking members of violent cartels labeled as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.

Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch stated on X that the extradition was carried out at the request of the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ), which has provided assurances it would not pursue the death penalty for those facing prosecution.