January 1, Cartel Leaders, Smugglers Brought to Justice

Wyatt’s Take

• The Justice Department extradited 26 fugitives from Mexico for crimes like drug trafficking, kidnapping, and murder.
• DEA targeted cartel bosses now face life sentences in America, a major win against cross-border crime.
• Attorney General Bondi says these arrests prove the administration’s focus on keeping the country safe.

Federal officials have captured 26 suspected criminals, extradited from Mexico, facing charges including drugs, kidnapping, hostage-taking, illegal firearms, and murder.

This group includes top leaders from infamous drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist groups by the U.S. government, like Sinaloa and Cartel del Noreste.

President Trump signed an order this year classifying these cartels as foreign terrorists, allowing for a tougher crackdown.

Attorney General Pam Bondi explained the arrests show a commitment to defeating these organizations.

“Today is the latest example of the Trump administration’s historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations,” she said.

These criminals allegedly smuggled massive amounts of drugs including meth, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin into our communities and are now facing some of the harshest penalties available.

One of those arrested, Abdul Karim Conteh from Sierra Leone, is accused of heading a human smuggling network, moving people from countries with active terrorist groups into the U.S.

All but Conteh could spend the rest of their lives in prison, while he faces up to 45 years.

Several DEA high-level targets among the 26 fugitives returned to the U.S. from Mexico, including leaders of cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. #DEACartelExperts #OpTakeBackAmerica

Read more: https://t.co/l7zXE4DGtP pic.twitter.com/90HWVmS3Hz

— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) August 13, 2025

#ICYMI: Yesterday, the United States announced that it has taken into custody 26 fugitives from Mexico facing a range of federal and state criminal charges from around the country, including charges relating to drug-trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, illegal use of… https://t.co/lPQhhh5x3P

This is a message to criminals everywhere—America is serious about defending its people.

Wyatt Matters

Strong borders and law enforcement keep our families safe and drugs off our streets. Middle Americans know justice must be tough so we can live and work in peace.

Full story here