An unexpected move from a notorious family.
Reports indicate that Griselda Lopez Perez, wife of the imprisoned Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, along with 16 family members, crossed into the southern United States.
This group made their entry into the U.S. on Friday at the Tijuana/San Diego border, as noted by a Mexican news source.
According to Mexican security secretary Omar Garcia Halfucci, this family’s arrival is likely connected to negotiations or a plea deal offered by the Department of Justice.
Footage shared on X shows the family waiting at the border and reportedly carrying $70,000 in cash as they wait for processing.
Griselda’s son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez—referred to as “Elraton” or Mouse—was extradited to the U.S. in September 2023.
Ovidio, 35, one of the four sons of “El Chapo” known as “Los Chapitos,” faces serious charges including drug trafficking and money laundering following his extradition.
He had previously pleaded guilty to several federal charges and had a status hearing scheduled for a case in Illinois. However, those cases were dismissed, and he is now set to attend a judicial hearing on July 9.
U.S. prosecutors haven’t clarified the specifics of any potential plea negotiations or how the family’s arrival ties into this. Reports suggest that the relatives weren’t required to face any fees upon entry.
Once among the most formidable drug traffickers in the world, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman led the Sinaloa cartel into becoming a major player in the drug trade within the U.S.
He was captured in 2017, later extradited, and convicted on multiple charges, leading to a life sentence.
Currently, he resides in a high-security facility in Colorado.
