A Historic Blow to Cartels: Is This Surrender of 29 Leaders Linked to Mexico’s Bid to Reclaim El Mayo Zambada?
Maria Herrera Mellado
On February 27, 2025, the United States took into custody 29 leaders of Mexican drug cartels, a historic blow against the criminal organizations that have flooded our communities with deadly drugs like fentanyl and exploited a vulnerable border for far too long.
This achievement, the result of relentless pressure from President Donald Trump and the diplomatic skill of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a turning point: the era of harming Americans without consequences is over.
As Kash Patel, nominated to head the FBI, stated, “The FBI and its partners will scour every corner of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice.” And it should be so!
But behind the headlines lies a nagging question: Why now? Why did Mexico, after years of shielding its most notorious criminals, suddenly hand over 29 of them in a single day—the largest such transfer in history? Could this be less about capitulation to U.S. pressure and more about a calculated play—perhaps to secure the return of a figure like Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the Sinaloa Cartel’s elusive mastermind, who remains a prize Mexico might want back on its soil?
The delivery of 29 criminal organization leaders, including infamous figures such as Rafael Caro Quintero
For years, the cartels have operated with impunity, taking advantage of a porous border and the laxity of previous administrations that prioritized soft diplomacy over decisive action.
But under Trump’s leadership, the border is being secured like never before.
By decapitating the command structures of cartels such as Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation, and Los Zetas, their ability to coordinate drug trafficking and bribe officials is disrupted. This means less fentanyl in our streets, fewer overdoses in our communities, and a lighter burden for the Border Patrol, which can now focus on closing gaps instead of chasing endless leads.
Trump and Rubio secured the delivery of 29 Mexican cartel leaders to the U.S. for prosecution.
This is UNPRECEDENTED, “the largest number in one day.” some social media users said. The data supports this reality.
Raphael Caro Quintero, who killed a DEA agent, has just been transferred to New York and handed over.
In 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized nearly 9,600 kilograms of fentanyl at the border with Mexico, an astonishing figure that reflects the magnitude of the threat.
With these leaders out of play, the cartels’ operations are fragmenting, giving our security agencies a critical advantage. This is not a fleeting success; it is the beginning of a stronger and more sustainable border control.
This moment did not happen by chance. It was the result of a conservative strategy that combines economic pressure and tough negotiations.
Faced with Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican imports—a measure that would have hit their economy—Mexico relented and handed over these criminals. The message was clear: either cooperate in dismantling the cartels, or face the consequences.
The President did not hesitate, and Secretary Rubio masterfully executed the negotiations in Washington, demonstrating that Republican diplomacy is not about appeasement, but about demanding results.
Critics, especially from the left, might argue that this strains relations with Mexico or that the cartels will simply replace these leaders. But that defeatist mentality ignores reality. There will be no haven for those who poison our citizens. And even if new leaders emerge, the loss of experience and networks among these criminals weakens the cartels in the long term.
A Promise Fulfilled
Donald Trump promised during his campaign to make the border a priority, and he is delivering.
Designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and working with Mexico to extradite their leaders is not just a tactic; it is a vision of a safe and sovereign United States.
Americans deserve drug-free streets and communities protected from the violence that the cartels bring with them.
This success is proof that Republican policies—based on strength, responsibility, and the defense of our values—yield tangible results.
While Democrats advocated for open borders and lukewarm solutions, conservatives took action.
The capture of these 29 leaders is a monumental step toward the safest border in U.S. history.
Let the fight go on!
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6 comentarios en «A Historic Blow to Cartels: Is This Surrender of 29 Leaders Linked to Mexico’s Bid to Reclaim El Mayo Zambada?»
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Why now?… try the theory that One cartel is now in control of the Mexican Govt. and is getting rid of all the competition…
Have ya considered that one yet ?…!
Mexico’s last minute ploy to hold off the tariffs starting tomorrow.
Uh…get these B@$+@*#S out of the U.S., and put them down at GITMO.
now there will 29 new cartel leaders, the cartel des not go away. The drug king pins have always fed law enforce their enemy’s & competition. Cops only catch the stupid ones , and the ones the narcos want busted. Mexico as state is doing the same thing.
Get them out of the U.S., and put them down at GITMO.
No. Your not asking the right question. Who is deciding on the players to hand over? And why are they making this decision?
BETTER YET, WHO WILL FILL THE VOID. it is all pre-planned. Nothing will change. These people where left out to dry in tge wind with intent