Mexico has transferred 26 suspected cartel members to the United States, responding to mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to crack down on the country’s major drug trafficking organisations. The individuals handed over are wanted in the U.S. for alleged involvement in narcotics-related crimes.

Mexican officials stated the extradition was requested by the U.S. Department of Justice, which assured that capital punishment would not be pursued against the defendants. This marks the second large-scale handover this year; a previous transfer in February saw 29 suspected cartel figures extradited, raising debate over the legal and political implications.

The move highlights President Claudia Sheinbaum’s efforts to manage a complex relationship with the U.S.—aiming to demonstrate cooperation while resisting any foreign military intervention on Mexican soil.

According to the U.S. Embassy, several of those extradited are believed to be senior members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, two of the most powerful criminal organisations in Mexico. U.S. officials described the extraditions as a sign of strong bilateral cooperation in addressing organised crime and promoting public safety in both countries.

President Trump has intensified pressure on Mexico in recent months, linking trade measures such as tariffs to the fight against fentanyl trafficking. He has also instructed the U.S. military to prepare for possible actions targeting drug cartels labeled as foreign terrorist groups.

While Sheinbaum has expressed interest in strengthening cross-border security collaboration, she has firmly rejected any proposals for unilateral U.S. military action within Mexican territory.