After years evading U.S. authorities, cartel leader Rafael Caro Quintero has been extradited to the U.S. to stand trial for orchestrating the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The long-awaited extradition was part of a larger effort that saw 29 cartel figures handed over to U.S. authorities as the Trump administration increased pressure on Mexico to act.
Caro Quintero, a key founder of the Guadalajara cartel, was responsible for smuggling massive quantities of drugs into the U.S. in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His decision to order Camarena’s kidnapping and murder came after U.S. agents disrupted his drug operations. Camarena was abducted, tortured and killed, sparking outrage in the U.S. and straining relations with Mexico.
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
Although Caro Quintero was convicted and sentenced in Mexico, a 2013 court ruling allowed him to walk free. He quickly re-entered the drug trade, engaging in violent turf wars before his capture in 2022. The U.S. had sought his extradition for years, but under Mexico’s previous leadership, cooperation with U.S. law enforcement was severely restricted.
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
With President Donald Trump taking a hard stance on border security and cartel violence, Mexico was pressured to act. Facing the threat of economic penalties, the Mexican government moved forward with the extraditions. Authorities described those transferred as major threats to both countries, including cartel leaders and top operatives involved in kidnappings, drug trafficking and murders.
#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
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of bringing cartel figures to justice, stating that law enforcement officers who risk their lives to fight these organizations deserve to see justice served. The Justice Department has indicated that six of those extradited may be eligible for the death penalty.
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
DEA officials say Caro Quintero’s return to U.S. soil sends a message to cartel leaders that they will not escape justice, no matter how long it takes.
