Transfer of cartel members to the United States underlines lack of control in Mexican prisons

"What goes on inside Mexican prisons spills over the walls. This is not only due to its impact on the country's security, but also on relations with the United States. In the last year, Mexico has transferred 92 prisoners to the U.S., where they are also wanted by the justice system for organized crime offenses. Mexico has justified this move as a sovereign decision that benefits national security, given the evidence that they continued to operate for criminal groups from behind bars."

"Federal Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch has emphasized that these prisoners transferred within a vague and controversial legal framework were directing criminal activity from their cells and extorting Mexican citizens through phone calls. Unfortunately, within prisons, they often form alliances with other groups, and in various locations where they are incarcerated, they have the opportunity to continue committing crimes. This is for the benefit of our country, he argued to the press, hinting at the persistent problems of lack of control."

Mexican authorities transferred 92 prisoners to the United States in the last year, citing organized-crime charges and U.S. warrants. Officials justified the transfers as a sovereign security measure because evidence shows leaders continued to direct criminal groups from behind bars. Federal Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch stated that transferred prisoners were directing criminal activity from their cells and extorting Mexican citizens through phone calls. Incarcerated leaders often form alliances and retain opportunities to commit crimes across various facilities. Prisons have become command centers and call centers for cartels, creating a persistent weak point in national security policy. Nearly 100 prisoners were extradited in three separate transfers, including high-profile members of Los Zetas.

Read at english.elpais.com