U.S. authorities have taken custody of 26 fugitives who were returned from Mexico to face federal and state criminal charges in various jurisdictions across the country. The charges include drug trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, illegal use of firearms, human smuggling, money laundering, and murder.
The group includes leaders and managers of major drug cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Among them are members of the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas). These individuals are accused of importing large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin into the United States.
“Today is the latest example of the Trump administration’s historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores — under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country. We are grateful to Mexico’s National Security team for their collaboration in this matter.”
Among those transferred is Abigael Gonzalez Valencia (“Cuini”), alleged leader of Los Cuinis cartel; Kevin Gil Acosta and Martin Zazueta Perez, identified as security leaders for the Chapitos faction within the Sinaloa Cartel; Abdul Karim Conteh from Sierra Leone, accused of leading a human smuggling operation that brought thousands from multiple countries through Mexico into the U.S.; Leobardo Garcia Corrales, believed to be a significant figure in fentanyl trafficking with ties to Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera; Luis Raul Castro Valenzuela (“Chacho”), charged with kidnapping a U.S. citizen; Juan Carlos Felix Gastelum (“El Chavo Félix”), alleged operator for Sinaloa Cartel’s methamphetamine labs; Roberto Salazar, wanted for the 2008 murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Escalante; and Pablo Edwin Huerta Nuno (“Flaquito”), described as a violent Tijuana Plaza boss involved in large-scale narcotics distribution.
Each fugitive faces arraignment in different federal districts or state courts depending on their charges. Many face potential life sentences if convicted.
Attorney General Bondi acknowledged law enforcement agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Los Angeles County Police Department for their roles in these investigations.
She also recognized contributions from multiple U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide handling prosecutions related to these cases as well as assistance from the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Office of International Affairs.
An indictment is an allegation only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
