By Micah Jonah
January 22, 2026
Mexico has transferred 37 alleged members of criminal organizations to the United States, bringing the total number of suspects sent to the US during the past year to 92, according to Security Minister, Omar Garcia Harfuch.
The transfers come amid growing tension with US President, Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened ground attacks against Mexican cartels. The suspects were flown to multiple US cities, including Washington, Houston, New York, Pennsylvania, San Antonio, and San Diego, aboard seven Mexican Armed Forces aircraft.
Harfuch confirmed the handovers were conducted under Mexico’s National Security Law and bilateral cooperation agreements, with the US guaranteeing that none of the suspects will face the death penalty. Among those sent is Pedro Inzunza Noriega, linked to the Beltran Leyva cartel and previously indicted for terrorism in the US.
Despite the transfers, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected the idea of US military intervention, noting a 50% reduction in fentanyl seizures at the US border under her anti-drug policies.
