Mexican officials confirm Sinaloa Cartel family members entered US in Trump deal

Mexican officials have revealed that 17 family members of prominent drug cartel leaders recently crossed into the United States in a controversial deal allegedly brokered between a son of the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Trump administration. This revelation was confirmed by Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch following a report by independent journalist Luis Chaparro.

One of the key figures involved in this arrangement is Ovidio Guzmán López, the son of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who was extradited to the U.S. in 2023. Among the family members granted entry into the U.S. was Guzmán’s former wife, Griselda López Pérez.

García Harfuch emphasized that Mexican authorities were aware of the deal struck between Guzmán López and the U.S. government, leading to the family members’ migration. The group was reportedly seen carrying luggage and a substantial amount of cash as they awaited processing at the Tijuana/San Diego border crossing.

The news of the family members’ entry into the U.S. comes on the heels of a significant development in the fight against drug cartels. The office of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charging of top cartel leaders with “narcoterrorism,” marking a pivotal moment since the Trump administration designated several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

In a bold statement, U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California warned cartel leaders, particularly those associated with the Sinaloa Cartel, that they are now the hunted rather than the hunters. This marks a significant shift in the approach to combating organized crime and drug trafficking.

Ovidio Guzmán López, known as “the Mouse,” is part of the group of Guzmán’s sons referred to as “Los Chapitos,” who assumed control of the Sinaloa Cartel in their father’s absence. Joaquín Guzmán, once a dominant figure in the global drug trade, orchestrated the cartel’s rise to prominence as a major player in the illegal drug market targeting the U.S.

Guzmán López, now 35, faced legal repercussions for his involvement in drug trafficking and related offenses, leading to his extradition and subsequent imprisonment in Colorado. His family’s recent migration to the U.S. underlines the complex dynamics of cartel activities and international relations in the fight against organized crime.

This unfolding saga underscores the ongoing challenges posed by drug cartels and the collaborative efforts required to tackle these criminal enterprises effectively. As the story continues to evolve, it serves as a stark reminder of the intricate web of illicit activities that law enforcement agencies and governments must navigate to uphold justice and security.

Overall, the developments surrounding the migration of cartel leaders’ family members to the U.S. underscore the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play in this high-stakes arena.