How does Mexico’s treaty relationship with the United States affect extradition timelines?

The 1978 Mexico-US Extradition Treaty creates a streamlined but still lengthy process. After provisional arrest, the US has 60 days to submit formal extradition documents. Mexican courts then have approximately 30 days to review admissibility, followed by the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores’ decision-making phase. Total processing typically ranges from 8 to 18 months. Dual criminality must be established, meaning the alleged conduct must constitute a crime under both Mexican and US law. Political offense exceptions and humanitarian grounds remain viable defenses under this treaty framework.