The defense team for Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, firmly denies any collaboration agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and is pushing for his repatriation to Mexico, arguing that his human rights were violated during the controversial circumstances of his capture and transfer to American soil.
Juan Manuel Delgado González, Zambada’s attorney, told reporters that “this collaboration agreement is not on the table, it does not exist and it would never be taken,” emphasizing that it is not in his client’s interest “to reach that point.” Delgado González further explained that the defense has requested consular support from Mexican authorities in the hopes of organizing Zambada’s return to Mexico.
“We are requesting a consular right and a human right that demands he be repatriated,” Delgado González said, “due to various reasons, including human rights violations committed in the manner in which Mr. Ismael is currently in the United States.”
Zambada has been detained in a New York prison since September 2024. His defense alleges that he was kidnapped in July of the same year outside Culiacán—where he was reportedly scheduled to meet with local authorities, including Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya—and then taken on a private plane to the United States. The defense argues that this operation was illegal and orchestrated without proper legal procedure.
According to Zambada, the meeting with local officials was arranged by Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Guzmán López allegedly had an agreement with U.S. authorities, which ultimately led to Zambada’s forced transfer.
Earlier this week, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) confirmed it had formally requested Zambada’s repatriation from the Biden administration on four separate occasions, but never received a response. The FGR reiterated that it will continue to seek his return, as Zambada still faces multiple outstanding arrest warrants in Mexico.
Meanwhile, U.S. prosecutors have charged Zambada with fifteen counts linked to organized crime and drug trafficking, including conspiring to import and distribute fentanyl. If convicted, he could face the death penalty in the United States.
The high-profile nature of the case underscores the complex legal and diplomatic challenges surrounding extradition processes, as Mexican authorities advocate for Zambada’s return while U.S. officials prepare to prosecute him on major criminal charges.
