In late February, Mexico handed over 29 drug cartel individuals to the United States, the largest in years before Trump was set to impose 25 percent tariffs on Mexican goods. All 29 of the individuals were being held in Mexican prisons, when they boarded planes at an airport North of Mexico City and were taken to eight U.S. cities.

The day following President Trumps inauguration, Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated that Mexico would cooperation with the U.S. to fight drug trafficking but would not support the movement of troops from the U.S. This then prompted the handover of drug cartel individuals the following month. A statement from the Mexican attorney general’s office states “this action is part of the efforts of coordination, cooperation and bilateral reciprocity, within the framework of respect for the sovereignty of both nations.” The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ), followed up with a list of federal courts where the defendants will be charged. Specifically, Attorney General Pam Bondi claims the U.S. DoJ will prosecute the criminals with crimes of drug trafficking, homicide, and organized crime.

With tariffs imposed by Trump, and despite several being suspended, both nations should consider each other’s needs when it comes to cooperation. Economic collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico is the most effective way to address the demands of both countries. Mexico seeks to stabilize its relationship with the U.S. while combating drug trafficking, while U.S. interests focus on addressing drug smuggling, particularly the fentanyl crisis. Given these concerns, maintaining peace between the two nations is crucial for the economic growth and stability of both.

This handover of prisoners is one of Mexico’s largest in years. Between 2019 and 2023, 65 individuals were extradited to the U.S. officially. With Trump coming into office, he posed a 25 percent tariffs on goods from Mexico. This was in response to his concerns about fentanyl smuggling and illegal immigration, as well as the international drug cartels and parts of Mexico that are supposedly run by them. This handover of criminals could be a security cooperation effort by Mexico to address U.S. concerns through the tariffs imposed.

The handover of 29 drug cartel individuals from Mexico to the U.S. highlights the importance of cooperation in tackling the challenges of drug trafficking and organized crime. Mexico’s commitment to addressing U.S. concerns about fentanyl smuggling and the influence of cartels is clear, even as it seeks to maintain its sovereignty. Moving forward, maintaining a cooperative approach is essential for both countries, ensuring not only the fight against crime but also fostering mutual economic growth and long-term stability. Implementing further tariffs on Mexico can only damage this relationship and the focus of the countries should go towards promoting peace and strength in the region.