The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), Roberto Velasco Álvarez, reported that between January 1, 2018 and May 13, 2026, the federal government has presented 269 requests for the extradition and provisional detention of people to the United States. Of that total, 36 were denied and 233 remain unfinished.
Formal requests and provisional arrests
Of the pending group, 183 correspond to formal extradition requests pending before judicial authorities. The other 50 are requests for provisional arrest for extradition purposes.
“In 47 of the 50 requests for provisional detention, the United States government has asked us to present additional information. It is a common practice between both countries, not something outside the Treaty,” Velasco explained during the morning conference on May 19.
The official mentioned specific cases. Francisco Javier “N”, accused of illicit use of powers and organized crime, was requested on August 8, 2025. The US requested more information and the extradition has not yet been finalized.
Víctor Manuel “N”, accused of embezzlement in the Ministry of the Interior and invoices, received a denial on December 4, 2025 because it was considered not a violent crime. Velasco clarified that it is normal for a provisional arrest to be rejected and a formal request is required.
He also referred to Rafael “N” and Elías “N”, linked to the Infonavit case and requested on October 1, 2025 for organized crime. The US requested a formal request as it was not a violent crime nor did it represent a risk to society.
Reciprocity and pending cases
Regarding José Ulises “N”, related to the Ayotzinapa case, and Pablo “N”, the United States also requested additional information.
“Each country analyzes each request according to its legislation. There is no legal loophole as some people have suggested,” Velasco said.
President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that of the 269 requirements, none has resulted in effective delivery. “There are very serious cases for Mexico: bill collectors, former governors accused of organized crime, Ayotzinapa. None of them have been handed over,” he stated. Sheinbaum insisted on the need for reciprocity on the part of the United States.




