January 20th, 2026 - Under Trump’s Pressure, Mexico Sends 37 Alleged Criminals to the U.S.

In an effort to curb gang violence and satisfy U.S. demands, the Mexican government has sent 37 individuals accused of being part of criminal organizations to the United States. This transfer marks the first such action in 2026, and it comes amid heightened threats from President Trump, who has increasingly pressured Mexico to take stronger measures against drug cartels. The total number of criminal transfers since Trump's presidency now exceeds 90, including those made under similar circumstances in previous years.

The Mexican government has been under significant pressure to act more decisively against drug cartels, which are believed to control much of the country's criminal activity, including operating within prisons. President Claudia Sheinbaum has been working to appease U.S. demands while facing criticism for not doing enough to combat organized crime. She has been more proactive recently, launching operations against cartels, strengthening border security, and sending criminals to the U.S. despite the controversial nature of these moves.

Mexico’s decision to transfer these 37 individuals has sparked legal and political debates. The individuals involved have not gone through the normal extradition process, and some experts question whether such actions could set a dangerous precedent. However, Mexico’s security chief, Omar García Harfuch, defended the transfers, stating that they were lawful and in coordination with the U.S. Justice Department, ensuring that the death penalty, which is banned in Mexico, would not be pursued.

These transfers are part of a larger context of escalating tensions between the two nations. President Trump has threatened military action to dismantle criminal organizations in Mexico, leading to fears of sovereignty violations. The U.S. has also pushed for joint operations to target fentanyl production, prompting further concerns in Mexico. Despite these pressures, Sheinbaum has argued that the U.S. should also tackle the drug trade within its own borders and address the flow of illegal firearms into Mexico.

In response to Trump's demands, Mexico has made notable progress in certain areas, including recent arrests of individuals linked to major criminal organizations. For instance, Mexican authorities, with help from the FBI, captured Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a fugitive wanted by the U.S. for murder. Such actions are meant to demonstrate Mexico’s commitment to combating organized crime, though some experts believe these measures are merely temporary solutions to the ongoing diplomatic pressure.

Despite the continued strain, Mexican officials have emphasized the importance of domestic efforts to counter drug trafficking. They have highlighted various operations, such as raids on drug labs and the seizure of fentanyl shipments, to show they are taking meaningful action. However, experts like Carlos Pérez Ricart caution that while the transfers may buy time, they are not a long-term solution to the problem. The political ramifications of these transfers, and the broader implications for Mexico’s sovereignty, continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Quiddity (noun, KWID-uh-tee) - Quiddity refers to the essence of a thing—that is, whatever makes something the type of thing that it is. Quiddity can also refer to a small and usually trivial complaint or criticism, or to a quirk or eccentricity in someone's behavior.

Example: The novelist’s genius was her unparalleled ability to capture the quiddity of the Maine seacoast in simple prose.

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