Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday demanded greater reciprocity from the United States on extraditions. According to her, of the 269 requests submitted by Mexico since 2018, 36 were denied and 233 remain unanswered by US authorities.
“What does Mexico always ask for? Reciprocity. Why haven't they handed over any, if these are relevant cases, if there is reciprocity?” Sheinbaum asked at a press conference. She highlighted that among the requests are suspects involved in the Ayotzinapa case, which investigates the disappearance of 43 teaching students in 2014, with possible involvement of public officials and security forces.
The statement comes amid an investigation opened by the United States against Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican authorities, for alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. Sheinbaum said Washington requested the extradition of these individuals, but considers there is insufficient evidence to support the accusations. The Mexican Attorney General's Office, in turn, opened its own investigation into the case.
“How many have been handed over to Mexico? None,” the president emphasized, noting that the lack of US cooperation hinders the investigation of serious crimes for the Mexican state.