Reported Deal Allows El Chapo’s Family to Enter U.S., Raises Controversies

In May 2025, it was reported that members of El Chapo’s family were allowed into the U.S. under a deal involving his son, Ovidio Guzmán López. Mexican officials confirm a connection to negotiations with the DOJ, but detailed information is lacking. The situation sparked political controversy and calls for transparency from U.S. authorities.
In May 2025, news emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly allowed 17 members of a Mexican drug cartel family to enter the United States. Allegedly, this was part of a deal involving Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán’s son, Ovidio Guzmán López, currently facing drug trafficking charges in U.S. courts. Mexico’s security chief, Omar Hamid García Harfuch, confirmed the transfer at a press conference, asserting that the Department of Justice played a role in facilitating their entry into the U.S.
The incident has stirred significant political commentary. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer criticized Trump for allowing the relatives of one of history’s notorious drug dealers into the country, expressing vehement skepticism about the implications of such a move. His remarks questioned the motivations behind the administration’s alleged negotiations with cartel members and highlighted concerns about national security.
Details are murky—while García Harfuch seemed to affirm the deal’s existence, there is no official confirmation from the Trump administration. As of now, efforts to clarify the supposed agreement are ongoing, with officials yet to respond directly to inquiries from various news outlets, including Snopes.
Following the arrests of Ovidio Guzmán in 2023, speculation over negotiations intensified. Independent journalist Luis Chaparro initially broke the story by suggesting that family members of “El Chapo” surrendered at the San Ysidro crossing, armed with suitcases and cash. Since the reports started circulating on social media, scrutiny over the reasons for their entry has intensified.
In an interview on May 13, García Harfuch elaborated that the family’s entry appeared linked to negotiations between the DOJ and Guzmán López, implying a procedural basis for the transfer. Yet, the specifics remain undisclosed, particularly in terms of legal protections or status of the entrants.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also called for transparency from the U.S. regarding this arrangement, emphasizing that there was no prior notification given to Mexican authorities. As political tensions mount, Sheinbaum insisted the U.S. should clarify whether or not a formal negotiation occurred, especially as it pertains to U.S. policy against negotiating with terrorist organizations, which encompasses the Sinaloa Cartel.
Confusion persists regarding the implications of this reported arrangement and how it aligns with U.S. drug policy. Critics fear it sets a dangerous precedent of negotiating with criminal organizations. Multiple news outlets have reported that U.S. officials declined to comment, leaving many questions about this deal yet unanswered, which complicates the understanding of safe practices in handling cartel affiliations.
To summarize, the reported entrance of 17 family members of El Chapo into the U.S. raises significant concerns about U.S. negotiation stances toward organized crime. While officials confirm some form of deal might exist, concrete details remain largely undisclosed. The implications of this action are still being fiercely debated, both politically and within the realms of public safety and international relations.
Original Source: www.yahoo.com