Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz affirmed the legality of handing over 29 suspected cartel leaders to the United States, citing national security laws. 

During a news conference with security and military officials, Gertz emphasized the importance of respecting Mexico's ban on the death penalty in such cases but did not elaborate further.

Gertz referenced the national security law, highlighting its role in Thursday's extradition and underscoring its significance for political stability in Mexico and the United States.

One notable extradition was that of former Guadalajara Cartel head Rafael Caro Quintero, convicted of killing a DEA agent in 1985, along with 28 other alleged drug cartel figures.

The lawyers of the accused have criticized the Mexican government for allegedly infringing upon their clients' rights by forcibly transferring them to the United States.

In contrast to Mexican law, which typically safeguards citizens from facing the death penalty when extradited to another country, no such assurances were provided in this instance.