Mexican authorities extradited Los Zetas supreme leaders just before a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The cartel leaders faced drug trafficking charges in the U.S. and were known to control their criminal empire from behind bars. The Cartel Del Noreste faction of Los Zetas is considered a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.
Key Points
Extradition of Miguel Angel “Z-40” and Omar “Z-42” Trevino Morales
Meeting between Mexico's security cabinet and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Designation of Cartel Del Noreste as a foreign terrorist organization by President Trump
Statements from attorneys representing the Trevino Morales brothers
Pros
Successful extradition of key cartel leaders
Cooperation between Mexican and U.S. authorities in combating drug trafficking
Cons
Risk of cartel violence in the region
Controversy surrounding the legality of the extradition process