Last week, an announcement by Mexico's security secretary confirmed that members of the family of notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, including his ex-wife, are now in U.S. custody, believed to be linked to a plea deal with the Trump administration.
Family Members of Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Enter U.S. Amid Allegations of Deal with Trump Administration
Family Members of Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Enter U.S. Amid Allegations of Deal with Trump Administration
In a surprising turn of events, 17 relatives of Sinaloa Cartel leaders entered the United States, raising speculation of a secret arrangement with the U.S. government.
As reported by Alan Yuhas, May 14, 2025 —
In a significant development, a group of family members associated with Sinaloa Cartel leaders crossed the border into the United States last week, reportedly as part of a controversial agreement with the Trump administration, according to a statement from Mexico’s security secretary.
Rumors had circulated for days about the crossing, which included 17 individuals, notably El Chapo’s former spouse. According to the Mexican news outlet Pie de Nota, they allegedly surrendered to U.S. federal authorities after traveling from a Sinaloa stronghold to Tijuana before making their way to the U.S.
The Sinaloa Cartel, which was co-founded by Joaquín Guzmán, also known as El Chapo, remains one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations despite facing internal strife due to conflicts with rival factions and the ongoing prosecutions of its leaders in the United States.
When questioned about the family's entry on Monday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stated she was not privy to any further details beyond what she had heard. However, security secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed later that family members of Ovidio Guzmán López, one of El Chapo's sons who was extradited to the U.S. in 2023, had surrendered to American authorities.
García Harfuch suggested that the family's move was likely due to negotiations involving the Department of Justice, hinting at a possible plea deal that may have been reached for Ovidio Guzmán.
This latest revelation further complicates the already intricate and often contentious relationship between Mexico and the United States concerning drug trafficking and cartel influence, raising questions about the implications of such agreements in the region’s ongoing fight against organized crime.
In a significant development, a group of family members associated with Sinaloa Cartel leaders crossed the border into the United States last week, reportedly as part of a controversial agreement with the Trump administration, according to a statement from Mexico’s security secretary.
Rumors had circulated for days about the crossing, which included 17 individuals, notably El Chapo’s former spouse. According to the Mexican news outlet Pie de Nota, they allegedly surrendered to U.S. federal authorities after traveling from a Sinaloa stronghold to Tijuana before making their way to the U.S.
The Sinaloa Cartel, which was co-founded by Joaquín Guzmán, also known as El Chapo, remains one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations despite facing internal strife due to conflicts with rival factions and the ongoing prosecutions of its leaders in the United States.
When questioned about the family's entry on Monday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stated she was not privy to any further details beyond what she had heard. However, security secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed later that family members of Ovidio Guzmán López, one of El Chapo's sons who was extradited to the U.S. in 2023, had surrendered to American authorities.
García Harfuch suggested that the family's move was likely due to negotiations involving the Department of Justice, hinting at a possible plea deal that may have been reached for Ovidio Guzmán.
This latest revelation further complicates the already intricate and often contentious relationship between Mexico and the United States concerning drug trafficking and cartel influence, raising questions about the implications of such agreements in the region’s ongoing fight against organized crime.
