The US government reported that on December 5, it transferred 14 Mexican prisoners serving federal sentences for drug trafficking, firearms offenses, or a combination of both crimes to Mexico.
The operation was carried out in compliance with the International Prisoner Transfer Treaty, which has been in force between the two countries for decades.
Mexican prisoners return to their country to finish their sentences
According to a statement from the US Department of Justice, all inmates are Mexican nationals and voluntarily requested to be transferred to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home country.
Although the identities of the 14 prisoners were not disclosed, US authorities reported that the remaining terms of their sentences range from 22 months to four and a half years. Following approval by both governments, the transfer took place without incident.
Third transfer of prisoners from the US to Mexico in 2025
This is the third transfer carried out this year under the same mechanism, following previous operations in April and August 2025.
With this, Washington and Mexico City continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in prison, judicial, and security matters, making it easier for inmates to serve their sentences in their country of origin, which promotes their social reintegration and reduces operating costs.
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How does the International Prisoner Transfer Treaty work?
The transfer was arranged through the International Prisoner Transfer Program, an initiative authorized by the US Congress and administered by the International Prisoner Transfer Unit (IPTU), which is part of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice.
This program allows foreign nationals in federal or state custody in the US who meet certain eligibility criteria and have the consent of both governments to be transferred to their country of nationality to complete their sentence.
United States has 10 additional bilateral treaties and two multilateral conventions governing such prison exchanges.
The treaty also allows for the return of Americans imprisoned abroad
The mechanism works reciprocally: in addition to authorizing the transfer of Mexican prisoners in the United States, it also allows American citizens imprisoned in other countries to request transfer to American prisons, always under the guidelines of each bilateral agreement.
These types of agreements seek to facilitate social reintegration, reduce linguistic and cultural barriers for inmates, and improve international coordination in criminal justice matters.
