Overview

• Defense attorneys said good‑faith negotiations toward a guilty plea are ongoing and they are reviewing evidence with their client.
• Judge James E. Boasberg approved a brief delay and moved the case review to October 29 in Washington, D.C.
• Valencia was among 29 alleged traffickers Mexico turned over to U.S. custody in February after years on a U.S. wanted list with a $5 million reward.
• He initially pleaded not guilty and is accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine into the United States as a founder and former CJNG leader.
• The case reflects a broader 2025 trend of major Mexican traffickers advancing plea deals in U.S. courts, including matters involving Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Ovidio Guzmán López.