Mexico Extradites 29 Cartel Leaders to U.S. in Major Policy Shift

President Claudia Sheinbaum's government reverses 'hugs, not bullets' strategy under U.S. pressure to combat drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking.

Mexico extradited 29 cartel leaders to the U.S., including Rafael Caro Quintero, wanted for the 1985 killing of a DEA agent.
The move marks a departure from former President López Obrador's 'hugs, not bullets' approach, which emphasized addressing crime's root causes over direct confrontation.
President Trump’s administration applied intense pressure, including threats of tariffs and military action, to push Mexico into taking stronger action against cartels.
Cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel, have scaled back operations, shut down drug labs, and gone into hiding in response to the crackdown.
Mexico has ramped up its security efforts, with significant drug seizures, arrests, and the deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops to the border.