North Miami-Dade News

On September 13, 2024, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), along with Representatives Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL), Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Keith Self (R-TX), and U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a statement in response to Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya’s decision to revoke the longstanding extradition treaty between the United States and Honduras.

The statement expressed concern over the termination of the treaty: “We are deeply concerned by the recent decision by Honduran President Xiomara Castro to terminate the U.S.-Honduras extradition treaty which has been an important tool in combatting the criminal mafias and human traffickers which operate in Honduras. This reckless decision by President Castro places in jeopardy the future of U.S.-Honduran military and law enforcement cooperation. The economic wellbeing and security of Honduras and its citizens is intimately linked to the United States. We believe that this decision undermines our shared priorities and jeopardizes our relationship.”

Chairwoman Salazar has been a vocal critic of President Castro's administration, citing issues such as corruption, lack of respect for legal institutions, antisemitic rhetoric following Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, among other concerns.