Crossing of 'El Chapo' Guzmán Relatives Into U.S. Raises Questions About Rift Within 'Chapitos' Cartel

The recent surrender of several relatives of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán to U.S. authorities may be tied to conditions outlined in Ovidio Guzmán López's plea agreement, but a Mexican journalist suggests the move could also indicate a possible rift within "Los Chapitos" criminal organization—particularly between Ovidio's half-brothers, Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar. Both remain in Mexico and are believed to be leading the internal war against La Mayiza, the faction led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, son of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

Luis Chaparro, who specializes in covering organized crime, said there is reason to believe the Guzmán family fled the country out of fear that Ovidio and Joaquín Guzmán López may disclose sensitive information about La Mayiza's operations, putting their relatives in danger.

"I believe the fear lies within the family itself—especially with Ovidio Guzmán—because he knows the consequences [of revealing information] could be felt by his family in Mexico," Chaparro said on his show Pie de Nota, as reported by Infobae México.

Chaparro also suggested that the departure of Ovidio's close relatives could be seen as a strategic move that leaves Iván and Alfredo increasingly isolated as the remaining visible leaders of Los Chapitos.

"Sinaloa is being left with very little Guzmán leadership," he said, noting that the recent exit of Griselda López—mother of Ovidio and Joaquín—along with other close relatives has effectively dismantled the family's stronghold in the state.

Members of the Guzman family crossed into the U.S. at the San Ysidro port of entry, reportedly on May 9, after traveling from Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa. U.S. federal agents were waiting for them on the other side following a reported plea deal being negotiated between Ovidio Guzmán and the DOJ.

The group, comprised of 18 people, included children and grandchildren related to El Chapo, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Ovidio is expected to plead guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges during a court hearing in Chicago on July 9. His brother, Joaquín, is reportedly in similar negotiations with U.S. prosecutors.

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the case during her Tuesday press conference, stating that Mexico's Attorney General's Office had not yet been formally notified. She emphasized that extradition-related matters must involve bilateral coordination between the U.S. and Mexico.

"The AG has requested information, but so far, nothing has been shared," she said.

Ongoing turf wars in Sinaloa

Los Chapitos and La Mayiza have been locked in a violent turf war for the past eight months, a conflict that escalated after the July 2024 arrests of Joaquín Guzmán López and "El Mayo" Zambada. Both factions are battling for control of the Sinaloa Cartel.

According to the local news outlet Noroeste, authorities in Sinaloa have reported 1,266 homicides and 1,412 kidnappings since September 2024.

May has been especially violent, with 66 homicides reported as of May 12—an average of nearly six per day.