Bilateral security cooperation nets more fugitives, including several priority US targets

Bilateral security cooperation between the United States and Mexico has resulted in the capture of several fugitives, including high-priority targets wanted in the U.S. for crimes such as murder and firearms offenses. The latest arrest, of Antoni Covarrubias, a 41-year-old man wanted in California for second-degree murder, occurred in Puerto Vallarta.

Covarrubias was apprehended after a brief chase with no incident, his arrest made possible through cooperation with U.S. Marshals Service and the deployment of drones and a C2 Mobile Cybertruck by Jalisco police.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson praised the collaborative efforts of Mexican authorities, emphasizing the message sent to criminals: "Whatever the crime, criminals have nowhere to hide." Over the past few weeks, U.S. authorities have turned over six more fugitives sought in Mexico for serious crimes, including murder and firearms offenses, with one individual linked to a narco-terrorist organization.

In a statement, Johnson highlighted recent captures, including the return of three fugitives to Mexico over the weekend, one of whom is believed to be a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. These arrests demonstrate that effective security collaboration holds criminals accountable for their actions. Also last week, Mexican authorities deported a Texas fugitive from the U.S. Marshals Service's 10 Most Wanted list, wanted on multiple state and federal charges.

Moreover, Mexican and U.S. authorities conducted a rapid-response binational security exercise along a high-visibility section of the El Paso-Cd. Juárez border area.