El Chapo Seeks Mexico’s Help to Return From US Prison
United States — Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, has requested the Mexican government’s help to be transferred back to Mexico, according to a letter released by his legal team.
Guzmán, who is serving a life sentence plus 30 years in a US maximum-security prison, addressed a letter to President Claudia Sheinbaum alleging human rights violations and harsh conditions in his confinement since his extradition to the United States in 2017.
In the document, the drug lord claims he is subjected to extreme solitary confinement and asks Mexican authorities to consider diplomatic intervention to arrange his return to a prison in Mexico, where he could serve the remainder of his sentence.
The request comes as Guzmán serves a life term imposed by a US federal court after he was convicted on multiple charges including drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering.
So far, the Mexican government has not issued an official response. Experts say any potential transfer would depend on bilateral agreements and the laws of both countries.
Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx
