Mexico Transfers 37 Cartel Members to U.S. at DOJ Request

LEAD: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a Jan. 21, 2026, morning news briefing that Mexico transferred 37 alleged cartel members to the United States on Jan. 20, 2026, at the request of the U.S. Justice Department and that Mexico's National Security Council made the decision as a "sovereign decision" after determining it was convenient for Mexico's national security, according to her comments.

CONTEXT: The transfers follow mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action against cartels, and are the third such movement in less than one year as Mexican officials say the moves aim to prevent incarcerated leaders from directing criminal operations from prison, Mexican statements and prior reporting show.

RESPONSE: The U.S. Justice Department said in a statement to The Associated Press that cooperation with Mexico is "in the mutual interest of both countries," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the transfer a "landmark achievement," and President Sheinbaum defended the move against critics who said it reflected U.S. pressure, in remarks at her briefing.

SCALE: Mexican security minister Omar García Harfuch said in a social media post on X that the 37 alleged operatives were flown aboard seven aircraft to Washington, Houston, New York, San Antonio and San Diego, that Mexico has sent 92 people to U.S. authorities in total this year, and that under an agreement with the U.S. Justice Department prosecutors would not seek the death penalty, according to Mexican officials and his post.

FORWARD: Observers including David Mora of the International Crisis Group said the transfers are being used as a pressure valve to offset U.S. demands while Mexico balances concessions and sovereignty, Mexican officials said additional extraditions could follow as U.S. prosecutors build cases, and tensions remain high after recent U.S. operations in the region raised alarm among Latin American leaders.