Mexican Security Minister Says Government Doesn't Know Where Ovidio Guzman Is After U.S. Plea Deal

Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said the government doesn't know where Ovidio Guzman, Sinaloa Cartel leader and son of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, is being held following his plea deal with U.S. authorities earlier this month.

Speaking to press, Garcia Harfuch said "it is confirmed that Ovidio is not free." "He is still under custody, in prison," he added.

Infobae reported on July 16 that Guzman was released from a Chicago prison last week and taken to a secret location after pleading guilty to a series of charges related to the cartel's drug-trafficking operations.

"We don't know if it's a lower-security facility. What we do know is that, until yesterday (Monday), he is under custody. He is in prison and still under detention," he added.

Guzman is expected to collaborate with U.S. authorities following his plea deal. Legal experts suggest his insider testimony could be pivotal in dismantling cartel cells, potentially implicating other traffickers and corrupt officials or "political protectors" who enabled cartel activity. The U.S. Justice Department sees this as a strategic blow to the Sinaloa Cartel leadership, especially amid fragmenting internal power structures following betrayals like the arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

Guzman pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges related to his role as leader of the "Chapitos." The guilty plea covers the four counts in Chicago and multiple indictments, including a separate one in New York, where he had earlier waived trial to consolidate proceedings.

According to ABC Chicago, he has also agreed to pay $80 million as part of the arrangement. His sentencing has been deferred while he fulfills cooperation obligations.