Officials from the Biden administration and U.S. lawmakers expressed their joy on Friday following the apprehension of two leaders of the Sinaloa cartel, with one Republican representative stating to Fox News Digital that it was a “victory for the world.”
On Thursday, authorities revealed that Ismael Zambada Garcia, commonly referred to as “El Mayo,” co-founder of the infamous Sinaloa drug cartel, was arrested in El Paso, Texas.
Also apprehended was Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of the cartel’s other co-founder, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
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“The Justice Department has taken into custody two additional alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, known as one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations globally,” stated U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Ismael Zambada Garcia, or ‘El Mayo,’ co-founder of the Cartel, along with Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of its other co-founder, were arrested today in El Paso, Texas.”
Zambada Garcia co-founded the Sinaloa cartel alongside the imprisoned drug lord “El Chapo.” A federal law enforcement source informed Fox News that Joaquín Guzmán López surrendered to U.S. authorities, while El Mayo was apprehended. The source detailed that Guzmán López struck a deal with U.S. authorities, implicating El Mayo.
The Mexican drug kingpin Ismael Zambada Garcia, also known as “El Mayo,” who co-founded the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel is now in U.S. custody. (Left Image: Procuraduria General de la Republica/Handout via Reuters/File Photo | Right Photo: U.S. Department of State via AP)
Guzmán López boarded a private plane with El Mayo, which, contrary to El Mayo’s belief that it was heading to Mexico, flew north to El Paso, where they were subsequently apprehended.
The Department of Justice had been offering a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of El Mayo. He now faces numerous indictments related to drug trafficking and organized crime within the United States.
President Biden praised the arrest of the two men, noting its significance in the battle against illicit fentanyl, predominantly produced in Mexico and smuggled across the southern border.
“I commend the efforts of our law enforcement officials who made this arrest, as they continue their work to bring Sinaloa cartel leaders to justice,” Biden stated.
“Too many of our citizens have lost their lives to the scourge of fentanyl. Too many families have been devastated by this destructive drug. My administration will keep doing everything possible to hold deadly drug traffickers accountable and to protect American lives.”
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These images provide by the U.S. Department of State show Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, left, alongside Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of another notorious cartel leader, after their arrest by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (U.S. Department of State via AP)
Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, who represents a southern border district, communicated to Fox News Digital that this event represents a “massive win for the world, particularly for America.”
“I cannot express enough gratitude to the agents from the FBI, DEA, and HSI. It’s important to acknowledge that this result did not stem from bureaucratic efforts in Washington—this was meticulous fieldwork,” he remarked.
“The key point often overlooked in current political discussions is that men and women from these agencies show up and do their jobs daily, and I am truly appreciative of that.”
Nonetheless, Gonzales expressed concern about the potential power gap that may emerge following their arrests.
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“The reality is that every time such arrests occur, organizations often splinter into smaller, even more ruthless factions. Therefore, we must consider this a positive development, but also prepare for the consequences,” Gonzales stated.
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He mentioned having been in discussions with DOJ officials regarding the need for additional resources or strategic movements.
“It’s not just all positives; while this is a major breakthrough, we also need to prepare for the potential leadership void in these criminal organizations,” he added.
Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report
