Guzmán Family Crosses U.S. Border Amid Deal with Trump Administration

MEXICO CITY — Nearly 20 relatives of notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán crossed into the United States last week as part of a deal reportedly orchestrated by the Trump administration. The move followed negotiations between U.S. officials and El Chapo’s son, Ovidio Guzmán López, who is facing multiple drug trafficking charges.

On Wednesday, Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed that family members of Guzmán, who was extradited to the U.S. in 2023, were allowed to enter the country. The group included Guzmán’s ex-wife, Griselda López Pérez, and other relatives.

García Harfuch stated that the transfer of Guzmán’s family was a result of a negotiation with U.S. authorities. None of the family members were wanted by Mexican law enforcement. Video footage showed them waiting to be processed at the San Ysidro border crossing, carrying luggage, including $70,000 in cash.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of notification from the U.S. about the operation, emphasizing the need for transparency. “We are doing our work to fight drug trafficking, but it raises questions about the information shared between our nations,” she said.

Ovidio Guzmán, also known as “El Ratón,” is one of the four sons of El Chapo who leads factions of the Sinaloa cartel. He was apprehended during a violent military operation and extradited to the U.S. last September.

Guzmán plans to change his not guilty plea to guilty, but details about his potential plea deal remain undisclosed. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon warned cartel leaders, stating, “You are no longer the hunters; you are the hunted. You will face justice in the Southern District of California.” The future of Guzmán’s family and their security remains uncertain amidst ongoing cartel violence.