Seventeen relatives of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán were recently relocated to California under undisclosed circumstances. This action follows the 2023 extradition of El Chapo’s son, Ovidio Guzmán, to the US on drug trafficking charges. Speculation suggests the family’s relocation may be connected to a plea bargain negotiation involving Ovidio. The deal is rumored to have been facilitated during the Trump administration.
President Sheinbaum demanded answers from the U.S. regarding the entry of 17 relatives of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and his son Ovidio, including Ovidio’s mother. Security Secretary García Harfuch suggested this entry indicates negotiations between Ovidio and the U.S. Department of Justice, a theory supported by former HSI head Oscar Hagelsieb, who predicts more such transfers. Analysts believe this relocation is a strategic move, possibly involving cooperation with U.S. authorities in exchange for protection or legal benefits, allowing other family members to continue cartel activities in Mexico.
Over a dozen relatives of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán have entered the United States, reportedly as part of negotiations surrounding the drug trafficking charges against his son, Ovidio Guzmán López. Mexican officials, including the security secretary, confirmed the family’s entry, stating they are not wanted in Mexico. These developments follow Ovidio’s extradition to the US and upcoming court appearance where a potential plea deal is anticipated. The US Department of Justice has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
Following his father’s imprisonment and his own extradition to the U.S. in 2023, Ovidio Guzmán López’s cooperation with U.S. authorities is suspected, evidenced by his family’s seemingly facilitated border crossing and his alleged sharing of intelligence on rival cartels. This alleged cooperation comes as the U.S. Attorney General’s office announced narcoterrorism charges against Sinaloa cartel leadership. While details of any plea bargain remain unconfirmed, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California issued a public warning.
Seventeen family members of Ovidio Guzmán López, son of former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, crossed into the U.S. last week. Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed this, stating it resulted from negotiations between Guzmán López and U.S. authorities, likely involving a plea deal in exchange for cooperation. The crossing occurred despite the U.S. Attorney General’s Office simultaneously announcing “narcoterrorism” charges against top cartel leaders. García Harfuch noted a lack of information sharing from the U.S. regarding the deal.
John Q. Hosedrinker