MEXICO CITY — The government of Mexico is currently evaluating a request from Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent leader of the Sinaloa cartel who is currently incarcerated in the United States, to be extradited back to Mexico for trial. This was confirmed by President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday.
Sheinbaum highlighted that the Mexican consulate based in New York has acknowledged the receipt of Zambada’s petition. Additionally, she mentioned that the country’s attorney general is looking into the details surrounding Zambada’s capture in the U.S., where he was apprehended alongside another leader of the Sinaloa cartel near El Paso, Texas, in July. Zambada is awaiting trial for the charges against him.
“No one is advocating for this individual,” Sheinbaum expressed. “The discussion isn’t merely about him and his offenses; it extends to the manner of his apprehension.”
Zambada alleges that he was forcibly taken to the U.S. by Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of the notorious former cartel chief Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Following these claims, the Mexican authorities announced the initiation of an investigation into potential treason regarding the individuals who facilitated Zambada’s delivery to U.S. officials.
Guzmán López also faced arrest from U.S. authorities upon his arrival in Texas. According to reports from Mexican media outlet Reforma, Zambada’s plea includes arguments questioning the legitimacy of his entry into the United States, requesting that he be tried in Mexico instead.
Moreover, he has appealed to the Mexican government to take action to ensure that the death penalty does not become a factor in his case. Earlier this year, U.S. prosecutors revealed that discussions were underway regarding a potential plea bargain with Zambada.
Zambada is infamous as one of the world’s leading drug traffickers and has been a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, serving alongside “El Chapo” for several decades. Unlike many in his position, he is known for managing the cartel’s smuggling activities while maintaining a relatively low public profile.
While Mexico has the ability to request that Zambada not face the death penalty, as capital punishment is not an option under Mexican law, it is typical for the U.S. to repatriate convicted individuals only after they have completed their sentences. However, a notable exception occurred in November 2020, during Donald Trump’s presidency, when charges against former Mexican Defense Secretary Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos were dismissed following protests from Mexico regarding his arrest in Los Angeles. Upon his return, Cienfuegos was immediately cleared of all charges.
