Last night's extradition of 29 Mexican cartel members, including the notorious Rafael Caro Quintero, marks a significant turn in the Trump administration's ongoing battle against international drug trafficking. In a statement released by the White House Press Secretary, it was announced that under the direction of President Trump, the Department of Justice and the Department of State facilitated the extradition process, with Attorney General Bondi and Secretary of State Rubio at the helm. According to the statement, "The Trump Administration is declaring these thugs as terrorists, because that is what they are, and demanding justice for the American people."

The White House press release took a critical stance towards the previous administration, accusing it of allowing "these criminals to run free and commit crimes all over the world." The move to extradite comes as Trump's team attempts to make good on promises to aggressively pursue those involved in international drug rings, particularly those with historical ties to crimes against Americans—of which Caro Quintero's murder of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena in 1985 stands out as a catalyst for this commitment.

Caro Quintero, a figure both mythologized and demonized in the chronicles of the drug war, has been especially targeted for his role in Camarena's death. His presence among the group extradited has been highlighted as a potentially significant victory for law enforcement agencies long seeking to close a painful chapter in DEA history. While the impact on cartel operations remains to be seen, the symbolism carried by Caro Quintero's extradition is undeniably profound.

The Trump administration has been resolute in its approach to quickly and decisively make moves against those labeled as threats to national security.