Joaquín Guzmán López, ‘El Güero’, Will Not Receive ‘Preferential Treatment’ from US for Kidnapping ‘Mayo’ Zambada

Joaquín Guzmán López, also known as 'El Güero' and son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to drug trafficking and organized crime charges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. He had initially pleaded not guilty. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella stated on July 20, 2025, that Guzmán López would not receive any preferential treatment or reward for his role in the kidnapping of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel. Nocella emphasized that the U.S. government does not approve of kidnappings and that Guzmán López's cooperation would not be rewarded. The case highlights ongoing U.S. efforts to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.

Global Impact

Politically, the U.S. stance strengthens bilateral cooperation with Mexico on drug enforcement, though it may strain relations if Mexican officials perceive the kidnapping as a unilateral U.S. operation. Socially, the case underscores the persistent influence of the Sinaloa cartel and the challenges of dismantling its leadership.