Family Members of Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Enter U.S. Amid Negotiations

On May 14, 2025, Mexico’s security secretary revealed that a group comprising relatives of the Sinaloa Cartel's leadership had entered the United States, possibly as part of a negotiation with U.S. authorities. The confirmation came after considerable speculation about the crossing, which reportedly included high-profile figures, such as the ex-wife of notorious crime lord El Chapo.

According to reports, these family members travelled from a cartel stronghold and crossed into Taijuana before surrendering to federal law enforcement in the U.S. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum had previously stated that she could not comment further on the matter. Still, Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed that individuals connected to Ovidio Guzmán López, one of El Chapo’s sons who was extradited in 2023, directly approached U.S. officials. Harfuch suggested that the move was likely tied to an existing negotiation with the U.S. Department of Justice, hinting at possible plea deals.

Despite El Chapo's significant criminal empire being considerably fractured, the Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most formidable drug trafficking organizations globally. As factions vie for control amid ongoing violence, the implications of these family members crossing into the U.S. may be far-reaching, raising questions about the future dynamics within the cartel and its dealings with law enforcement.