Trump Administration's Deal with Sinaloa Cartel Shocks International Relations
San Diego, Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
A controversial agreement allowed 17 family members of a Sinaloa Cartel leader to enter the US, raising concerns about diplomatic practices and border security.
Background and Context
The recent confirmation by Mexico’s Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, has brought to light a controversial agreement allowing 17 family members of Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, to enter the United States. This development is linked to a negotiation involving Ovidio Guzmán López, who was extradited to the U.S. in September 2023 to face multiple drug trafficking charges [1][2]. The entry of these individuals is part of a broader context involving ongoing diplomatic negotiations and plea deals between Guzmán López and the U.S. Department of Justice [3][4].
Details of the Agreement
The families entered the United States on May 6, 2025, under the purported terms of a negotiation, which the Mexican authorities have confirmed was connected to ongoing legal proceedings against Ovidio Guzmán López [1][2][3]. Despite not being pursued by Mexican authorities, the entry of these family members has sparked significant international discussions about the legal and diplomatic ramifications of such an agreement between the U.S. and individuals linked to the Sinaloa Cartel [4]. These revelations highlight complex interactions and negotiations between national law enforcement agencies and notorious criminal organizations [4].
U.S. Legal and Political Reactions
In a coinciding action on May 13, 2025, U.S. federal prosecutors announced charges of narco-terrorism against members of the Sinaloa Cartel, marking the first time cartel leaders have been prosecuted under terrorism statutes since a designation by the Trump administration [3]. These charges emphasize the U.S. government’s ongoing strategy to apply extreme legal measures against criminal organizations, treating them as terrorist entities to harness more stringent prosecutorial powers [4][5]. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon publicly asserted the country’s stance against the cartel, warning its leaders about future legal actions and court proceedings in the U.S. [2][3].
Potential Implications for U.S.-Mexico Relations
This controversial deal underscores the delicate balance of U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly in terms of collaborative efforts against organized crime. Mexico’s call for the U.S. Department of Justice to share information highlights the need for transparency and coordination in cross-border criminal justice processes [1][4]. The incident also raises questions about the Trump administration’s past policies and their long-term impact on international diplomacy, particularly concerning agreements made with individuals linked to major criminal enterprises [2][5].