Mexico Faces Accusations Over Recent Deportations of Cartel Members
The Mexican government is under fire for allegedly violating legal protocols by deporting nearly 100 cartel members to the United States without proper extradition orders.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, relatives and lawyers representing these individuals claimed that the government had unlawfully relocated citizens across the border, denying them their right to due process. Normally, extradition involves an extensive legal procedure in Mexico. Since last February, a total of 92 cartel members have been sent to the U.S. across three different transfers.
The latest transfer, which included 37 individuals, has sparked criticism for bypassing established extradition procedures. Observers suggest this move might be a political maneuver by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration in reaction to military threats from the administration of former President Donald Trump against the cartels.
“Mexico is currently under intense pressure from the United States,” noted Yarey Sánchez Lagunas, a lawyer representing two of the recently transferred individuals. “These circumstances compel us to seriously question whether these actions are being taken merely for political gain, even if they jeopardize due process or the rule of law.”
Sánchez Lagunas also represents leaders from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Arellano Félix Cartel, both of whom were deported last year.
In a related complaint, Vanesa Guzmán, the partner of Zetas Cartel leader Juan Pedro Saldívar Farías, filed charges against prominent figures in Mexico’s government, including Security Minister Omar García Harfuch, known for advocating a hardline approach against cartels. Farías was part of the last group sent to the U.S. and is facing allegations of arms and drug trafficking.
Guzmán accused high-ranking officials of “treason,” stating, “The transfer of my partner is nothing less than exile. As of today, we haven’t heard anything from him. He hasn’t even made his legally permitted call.”
Former DEA official Mike Vigil pointed out that Mexico’s constitution does allow the president to deport criminals, like the 37 who were sent last week. However, Guzmán contends that these individuals were serving their sentences in Mexico and did not pose a threat. Vigil acknowledged that some cartel leaders are known to exploit their situations in Mexican prisons to continue their criminal enterprises.
“Sheinbaum’s actions seem aimed at strengthening ties with the U.S. government, yet she is aware that if these individuals remain in Mexican prisons, they could still access their criminal networks through phones,” Vigil commented.
