Washington—Today, Chairman Matt Salmon (AZ-05) of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere issued the following statement regarding the release of drug kingpin Rafael Caro Quintero.
“I am deeply troubled by news that Mexican courts have released from prison the infamous drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero who ordered the brutal torture and killing of DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I am a fervent supporter of U.S.-Mexico security cooperation, and want to continue partnering with the Mexican government to combat the scourge of drug-trafficking and associated violence. The release of this drug kingpin whom U.S. authorities believe continued to run money laundering operations from behind prison bars, raises very serious questions about the foundation of the Mexican justice system, even as Mexico implements judicial reforms. I urge the Department of Justice to vigorously pursue an extradition claim against Caro Quintero so he may face charges in the United States.”
Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.