**García Harfuch Engages in High-level Discussions with CIA and FBI on Drug Cartel Issues**
Omar Hamid García Harfuch, head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, recently held high-profile meetings with U.S. intelligence leaders, focusing on strategies to combat drug cartels. García Harfuch met with Kash Patel, the FBI Director, John Ratcliffe, the CIA Director, and Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence for the U.S, to deepen bilateral collaboration on narcotics-related challenges.
The meetings, disclosed by the U.S. officials during a presentation to the House Intelligence Committee on March 26, 2025, were aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries in addressing cartel activities. Ratcliffe highlighted the importance of these discussions, stating, “Our collaboration with Mexico spans the entire intelligence community. When Secretary Omar Harfuch visited, he engaged with Director Patel, Director Gabbard, and myself, emphasizing our joint efforts for mutual benefit.”
Gabbard echoed the sentiment, affirming the importance of increased cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking. “We’ve started cooperating with our Mexican counterparts, and the U.S. administration is keen to explore more opportunities to strengthen this alliance,” she stated.
In a notable outcome of this partnership, Patel acknowledged Mexico’s role in extraditing cartel leaders to the U.S. He reported the transfer of 29 drug cartel leaders on February 27, 2025. “We have been actively working to apprehend top fugitives. After meeting with Secretary Harfuch, we extradited two of the FBI’s most wanted criminals and 33 other offenders,” Patel explained, underscoring the shared goal of capturing violent criminals.
**Additional Updates and Developments**
– **Caro Quintero Negotiations**: A judge in New York has given Rafael Caro Quintero, a known drug trafficker, 90 days to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty. This development highlights ongoing judicial efforts to manage high-profile cartel cases.
– **Narcomessages in Mexicali**: Authorities discovered three narcomessages—threatening banners left by cartels—in Mexicali, with one specifically directed at the operational leaders of the State Forces.
– **Political Stance on Women’s Rights**: Claudia Sheinbaum, Mayor of Mexico City, expressed her unwavering support for women while advocating for evidence-based justice, amid political allegiances speculation.
– **Fire Incident in Tijuana**: Tijuana emergency services responded to a fire outbreak at a recycling plant, adding to recent challenges faced by local authorities.
These updates reflect ongoing and multifaceted efforts in Mexico and its collaboration with U.S. counterparts to tackle organized crime and enhance regional security.