After years of evading justice, cartel leader Rafael Caro Quintero has been forced back into the U.S. to face charges for orchestrating the brutal killing of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. His extradition comes as part of a historic crackdown that saw 29 cartel figures sent to the U.S. for prosecution.
Caro Quintero was a major drug trafficker in the 1970s and 1980s, moving heroin, cocaine and marijuana into the U.S. as one of the leaders of the Guadalajara cartel. He ordered Camarena’s murder after U.S. agents disrupted a drug operation in Mexico. The killing, which involved torture, led to a breakdown in U.S.-Mexico relations and a years-long pursuit by American law enforcement.
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 he was sentenced to 40 years in a Mexican prison, a court released him in 2013 on a legal technicality. He quickly returned to cartel activities, sparking violent conflicts in northern Mexico. Mexican authorities eventually recaptured him in 2022, but his extradition remained uncertain due to limited cooperation under Mexico’s leadership at the time.
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
That changed after President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating cartels as terrorist organizations and demanded stronger action. Mexico, facing threats of U.S. tariffs, turned over Caro Quintero along with other high-level cartel members. Authorities in Mexico called the extradition a national security measure, insisting the individuals posed a danger to both countries.
#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 made it clear that the Justice Department will aggressively pursue these cases, stating that cartels have caused devastation on both sides of the border. Among those extradited were Omar and Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, former leaders of the Zetas cartel, and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, a longtime drug lord.
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 officials have indicated that six of the extradited cartel figures may face the death penalty. DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz emphasized that time would not shield criminals from justice, saying those responsible for crimes against Americans would always be pursued.
