Introduction to the Manhunt
A son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán is scheduled for a status hearing in federal court on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and other charges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is offering a $10 million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of incarcerated Mexican Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman’s son, Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar.
The Reward and Its Significance
"$10M REWARD for information leading to the arrest/conviction of Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar — son of the notorious Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera. He and his brothers – the "Chapitos" – took over the El Chapo’s faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, and he should be considered armed and dangerous," according to a post published by ICE on Thursday. FOX reached out to ICE to clarify whether this $10 million reward is in addition to another $10 million reward offered by the U.S. Treasury Department in June.
‘El Chapo’s’ Sons
Two of Guzman’s sons, Archivaldo Ivan Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, are believed to be currently located in Mexico. Guzman’s other sons — Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ovidio Guzman Lopez — are currently incarcerated in the United States. In May, federal prosecutors announced they would not seek the death penalty for Joaquin Guzman Lopez if he’s convicted of multiple charges in Chicago.
Son of ‘El Chapo’ headed to federal court
The Backstory
Sanctions were also imposed on a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel known as the "Chapitos," or little Chapos, which has been identified as a main exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. as well as a regional network of Chapitos associates and businesses based in Mazatlan, Mexico, that allegedly engage in drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. According to federal prosecutors, El Chapo smuggled mountains of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years. He was convicted in 2019 on multiple conspiracy counts and sentenced to life in a U.S. prison.
The Sinaloa Cartel
The Sinaloa Cartel, through various incarnations, is Mexico’s oldest criminal group, dating to the 1970s. One of their most lucrative businesses in recent years has been the production of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year in the U.S. The Trump administration in February labeled the Sinaloa Cartel a foreign terrorist organization.
Conclusion
The manhunt for Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, the son of "El Chapo," highlights the ongoing efforts of U.S. law enforcement to combat the Sinaloa Cartel and its involvement in drug trafficking and other criminal activities. The $10 million reward offered by ICE demonstrates the seriousness with which the U.S. government views the threat posed by the cartel and its leaders.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar?
A: Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar is the son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. - Q: What is the reward for information leading to his arrest?
A: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar. - Q: What are the charges against Ivan Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar?
A: The charges against him include drug trafficking, money laundering, and other related offenses. - Q: What is the significance of the Sinaloa Cartel in the context of U.S.-Mexico relations and drug trafficking?
A: The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the oldest and most notorious drug cartels in Mexico, known for its involvement in the production and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit substances, posing a significant threat to both Mexico and the United States.
