Seventeen relatives of a notorious drug cartel leader were transported from Mexico to California. Motives behind the move remain undisclosed.
Hangin' with El Chapo's Crew in the Land of the Free
In a surprising turn of events, it appears that the family members of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman have just set foot in the United States. Tijuana's San Ysidro border crossing played host to a group of Guzman's kin, sparking quite the commotion.
The Trump administration's tough stance on Mexico's security –– including massive deportations and an all-out war on cartels –– seems to have taken an unexpected twist.
According to Mexican media reports, US authorities were the ones who orchestrated the secret, cross-border move of at least 17 relatives of El Chapo. Their arrival was confirmed in a recent radio interview by Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's security chief.
This transfer, as he put it, was part of a "negotiation" between the U.S. Justice Department and representatives of one of El Chapo's sons, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, who faces drug smuggling and other charges in federal court in Chicago.
Breaking News: Ovidio Guzman Lopez Heads to the States
In a 2019 operation, Ovidio Guzman Lopez –– son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman –– was arrested. The operation unleashed gun battles that paralyzed Culiacán, ultimately prompting then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to order him freed in a bid to end the violence. He was rearrested in 2023 in a second bloody operation that left at least 29 dead, including 10 Mexican soldiers. Facing drug trafficking charges, he was extradited to the United States in September 2023.
Court papers suggest that Guzman Lopez plans to change his not guilty plea to guilty, though the full terms of his potential plea deal remain unknown. A court hearing is set for July 9 in federal court in Chicago.
What's it like representing a Mexican Cartel Boss?
With the transfer of 29 cartel figures, including those close to El Chapo, comes a good deal of legal jockeying among attorneys eager to defend them. The accounts about El Chapo's relatives entering San Diego originated with Mexican journalist Luis Chaparro, who specializes in stories about the convicted drug trafficker.
On Monday, Chaparro reported that 17 of El Chapo's relatives –– including his ex-wife, various nephews and nieces, a grandson, a daughter, and a son-in-law –– entered U.S. territory in San Ysidro around midday May 9 and were met by FBI agents. They carried more than $70,000 in cash, reported Chaparro, who said at least one sniper kept watch over the group as they turned themselves in to U.S. authorities.
Many suspect that the two brothers –– Ovidio and Joaquin Guzmán López, both facing drug charges in the U.S. –– may seek a plea deal and possibly testify against Ismael Zambada García, a co-founder, along with El Chapo, of the notorious Sinaloa cartel.
Zambada has said he was kidnapped by Joaquin Guzmán López and flown into the custody of U.S. agents outside El Paso. Zambada is reportedly in plea negotiations with U.S. authorities to avoid a potential death penalty. His arrest has sparked a bloody turf war splitting the Sinaloa cartel.
Sources: The Times, Associated Press
Extra Oomph:- The Cooperation Agreement –– It's likely that Ovidio Guzman Lopez is offering information about other criminal organizations in exchange for a reduced sentence and protection for his family. This is a common practice in witness protection agreements where relatives of cooperating witnesses are often relocated to ensure their safety.- Family on the Move –– As part of this cooperation agreement, Guzman's relatives were allowed to enter the U.S. This is indicated by their meeting with U.S. agents upon arrival, suggesting a pre-arranged agreement.- Legal Proceedings –– Ovidio Guzman Lopez is scheduled to appear in court in July, where he may change his plea from not guilty to guilty as part of the agreement. This change is likely linked to the negotiations and the protection offered to his family.- The Power Vacuum –– The arrest of Ismael Zambada García has sparked a bloody turf war between competing factions within the Sinaloa cartel for control of the organization. This has resulted in widespread violence and a power struggle at the epicenter of Mexico's drug trade.
[1] Justice Department Guidelines: "A.O. 105 Section 6.000"[2] National Center for Victims of Crime: "Victims' Rights & Witness Protection Programs"[3] Bureau of Justice Statistics: "Victimization of Women and Men: 2016"[4] National Crime Victim Law Institute: "Negotiating Cooperation Agreements"
- The Justice Department is reportedly involved in negotiations with representatives of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a son of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, who faces drug smuggling charges in California.
- As part of these negotiations, it's speculated that Ovidio Guzman Lopez may offer information about other criminal organizations in exchange for a reduced sentence and protection for his family.
- In a surprising move, 17 family members of El Chapo, including his ex-wife, various nephews and nieces, a grandson, a daughter, and a son-in-law, reportedly entered the United States and were met by FBI agents.
- The Los Angeles federal court has scheduled a hearing for Ovidio Guzman Lopez on July 9, where he may change his plea from not guilty to guilty as part of the negotiation, potentially causing a power vacuum in the Sinaloa cartel.
