Mexican cartel leader Rafael Caro Quintero has been forced back into U.S. custody decades after ordering the torture and killing of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. His arrival in New York marks the latest effort to hold cartel leaders accountable as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on violent drug organizations.
Caro Quintero, once a major figure in the Guadalajara cartel, was behind the brutal 1985 killing that caused tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. He was arrested and sentenced in Mexico but managed to walk free in 2013 after a court overturned his sentence. Following his release, he resumed his criminal operations, fueling cartel wars in northern Mexico before authorities recaptured him in 2022.
Today, @FBIDirectorKash announced that the United States has successfully apprehended Rafael Caro Quintero, the notorious cartel kingpin behind the brutal murder of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena.
Learn more: https://t.co/YATIlmGBtF pic.twitter.com/iOed6YAs8k
— FBI (@FBI) February 28, 2025
His extradition is part of a broader operation that saw 29 cartel leaders transferred into U.S. custody, a move that followed pressure from President Donald Trump. The White House had warned Mexico that failure to act on cartels, illegal immigration and fentanyl production could result in 25% tariffs on all Mexican imports. With that looming threat, Mexico moved forward with the extraditions, saying the individuals were “generators of violence.”
Raphael Caro Quintero, a Mexican drug lord, was extradited from Mexico to the U.S. for the murder a DEA Agent. He was just flown into New York for prosecution. The U.S. had offered a $20M bounty for his capture
Thank you President Trump and Sec Rubio!🔥
pic.twitter.com/e3xmkmzCns— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) February 28, 2025
Among those extradited were key figures from Mexican organized crime, including Vicente Carrillo Fuentes and the notorious Treviño Morales brothers. Attorney General Pam Bondi reinforced the administration’s commitment to taking down these criminal networks, stating that the Justice Department was determined to prosecute cartel members to the fullest extent.
#JUSTICEFORKIKI After 40 years, Rafael Caro Quintero is in the U.S, to face justice for the murder of #DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. We wear red to recognize Kiki's sacrifice and to honor his life. #RedForKiki #NeverForget Learn more at https://t.co/uuYu5BdQIY pic.twitter.com/McCQArNgIv
— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) February 28, 2025
Trump has made it clear that his administration views cartels as terrorist organizations, recently signing an executive order to that effect. The move has led to increased cooperation from Mexican authorities, who allowed U.S. spy drones to assist in intelligence gathering, leading to the capture of high-profile cartel figures.
Breaking update in New York: 🚨 Mexican kingpin ‘Narco of Narcos’ finally faced an American judge today but doing so while wearing the exact cuffs of the DEA agent he took the life of in 1985!
Rafael Caro Quintero, a 72 year old founding member of the Guadalajara cartel, has… pic.twitter.com/fAA1PhWhhs
— Tom Homan – Border Czar Commentary News (@TomHoman_) February 28, 2025
Federal prosecutors have stated that six of the individuals extradited could face the death penalty for their crimes. DEA officials say this operation sends a strong message to cartel leaders that no matter how long it takes, they will eventually be brought to justice.
