The U.S. ambassador to Mexico has confirmed that drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia was brought to the United States against his will, arriving in Texas in July alongside Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of notorious cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. This revelation follows earlier claims by Zambada Garcia’s lawyer, who alleged that the 76-year-old Sinaloa cartel chief was kidnapped by Guzman Lopez and six armed men dressed in military uniforms.
U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar stated on Friday that the evidence supported the claim that Zambada Garcia was forcibly brought to the U.S. in what appeared to be a cartel operation where one cartel faction turned in another. Salazar emphasized that no U.S. resources were involved in the transfer of Zambada Garcia.
In contrast, Guzman Lopez’s lawyer has denied that a kidnapping occurred, describing the event as a voluntary surrender following extensive negotiations. The arrest of Zambada Garcia has heightened concerns in Mexico about potential increases in violence and deteriorating relations with the U.S., a sentiment echoed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Lopez Obrador criticized the lack of cooperation from Washington in clarifying the details surrounding the arrests of Zambada Garcia and Guzman Lopez, expressing frustration over the insufficient information provided.
Salazar noted that U.S. officials were taken by surprise when Zambada Garcia arrived at an airport near El Paso, Texas, on July 25, along with Guzman Lopez. The arrival of Guzman Lopez, who had been negotiating his surrender with U.S. authorities, was unexpected, and U.S. personnel were not informed beforehand. Guzman Lopez, who has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other federal charges in Chicago, has yet to clarify his motives for bringing Zambada Garcia with him.
Zambada Garcia, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2019 by a U.S. court, is believed to have played a significant role in the Sinaloa cartel’s operations. He faces multiple charges in the U.S., including new indictments filed in New York earlier this year. Amid concerns of escalating violence between rival drug factions, President Lopez Obrador has issued a rare public appeal to drug cartels, urging them to avoid further conflict.
