Overview
- Mexican federal authorities said they handed over 37 organized-crime operatives to U.S. custody on Jan. 20, the third such transfer, bringing the total to 92.
- The list included Heriberto Hernández Rodríguez, known as “El Negrolo,” a Cártel del Noreste plaza boss in Nuevo Laredo identified by the FGR as a principal generator of violence.
- Authorities have described him as leader of La Tropa del Infierno and have alleged involvement in kidnappings, attacks on military sites and the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo, extortion, and homicides.
- He was arrested by the National Guard on Nov. 28, 2022, later held at the El Altiplano federal prison, and in May 2024 received a nine-year, seven-month sentence on drug and weapons convictions.
- Officials said the transfer was executed under the Ley de Seguridad Nacional through cooperation with U.S. justice authorities, with other figures such as “El Sagitario” and “El Ricky” also included.