Nearly forty years later, notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero is set to be extradited to the U.S. along with 28 other prisoners at the request of the U.S. government, as confirmed by the Justice Department on Thursday evening. DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz emphasized the significance of this moment, expressing that it holds personal weight for the DEA and the family of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, whom they believe Caro Quintero is responsible for brutally torturing and murdering. Maltz stated, “Today sends a message to every cartel leader, trafficker, and criminal polluting our communities: You will face justice, no matter how long it takes or how far you run.”
Camarena, a dedicated father of three, had been living in Guadalajara, Mexico, with his family while working undercover for the DEA. Prior to this assignment, he had served in various law enforcement roles, including the U.S. Marine Corps, police, and as a deputy sheriff in Calexico, California. Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Camarena moved to the U.S. at a young age and married his high school sweetheart before relocating to Mexico with their children in 1981.
The events leading to Camarena’s tragic fate began when he crossed paths with Quintero, a prominent supplier of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana to the U.S. in the late 1970s. Following a drug seizure operation in 1984 that disrupted Quintero’s operations, Camarena was abducted in Guadalajara, allegedly on the orders of Caro Quintero.
Camarena’s son, Enrique, who was just 11 years old when his father went missing, recalled the overwhelming response from DEA agents at their home following his disappearance. Despite the uncertainty, Enrique held onto the hope that his father, whom he regarded as a hero, would return. However, this hope was shattered as the family received the devastating news of Camarena’s demise.
In the aftermath of his death, Camarena’s hometown of Calexico initiated Red Ribbon Week to honor his memory and promote drug-free lifestyles, a tradition that gained national recognition. The legacy of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena lives on through the continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and uphold justice in his name.
Red Ribbon Week is an annual event that aims to inspire parents, educators, and businesses to advocate for a drug-free lifestyle. Following this initiative, the Enrique S. Camarena Educational Foundation was established to offer scholarships to high school seniors as a tribute to the late Camarena. In 2014, a memorial was dedicated in Los Angeles to honor Camarena’s legacy. His son Enrique, who became a judge in San Diego in the same year, explained to CBS News how he upholds his father’s teachings in the courtroom, emphasizing the importance of fairness towards all individuals. Additionally, a sneak peek reveals details about ‘The People v. Kouri Richins,’ a legal case unfolding in a California neighborhood grappling with the gradual erosion towards the ocean. Lastly, shocking news emerged as actor Gene Hackman and his wife were tragically discovered deceased in their residence.
