Statement by Ambassador Salazar
The apprehension of Caro Quintero was exclusively conducted by the Mexican government.
Mexico City — SEMAR carried out the successful operation to capture Rafael Caro Quintero. We laud SEMAR for executing the operation, and lament the loss of 14 brave Mexican marines. For clarification, no United States personnel participated in the tactical operation that resulted in Caro Quintero’s arrest: the apprehension of Caro Quintero was exclusively conducted by the Mexican government. The arrest of someone who long terrorized Mexican citizens and is implicated in the torture and death of a DEA agent is a milestone not just for our governments, but also for the people of our countries. Mexico’s successful operation exemplifies what we can achieve by working together to safeguard the citizens of Mexico and the U.S.