Mexican National Extradited to U.S. to Face Federal Drug Trafficking Charges in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mexican national was extradited from Mexico to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges in New Mexico.

Guillermo Amaro-Rodriguez, 42, made his initial appearance last week in federal court after being extradited from Mexico on a charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

A federal grand jury indicted Amaro-Rodriguez on October 12, 2022.  According to the indictment, Amaro-Rodriguez conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Bernalillo County and elsewhere.

Mexican law enforcement authorities arrested Amaro-Rodriguez at the request of the United States in Chihuahua on October 3, 2024.  The FBI assumed custody of Amaro-Rodriguez from Mexican authorities on March 7, 2025.

“Mexican authorities' efforts have ensured that the defendant will face justice in the United States for his alleged crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin. “We thank our partners at the Fiscalía General de la República for their commitment to combating drug trafficking and holding those responsible accountable. Our continued collaboration guarantees that international boundaries will not shield criminals from prosecution.”

“The extradition of Mr. Amaro-Rodriguez is an example of how the FBI will pursue justice no matter how long it takes,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “Thank you to our determined FBI agents and the help of our federal, local and foreign partners for your hard work to hold this man accountable for his actions.”

Amaro-Rodriguez will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Amaro-Rodriguez faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Amaro-Rodriguez. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hirsch is prosecuting the case as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.