SEATTLE - Joaquín Guzmán López's name has been at the center of Mexican and international media since the kingpin turned himself and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in to U.S. authorities at a private airport in New Mexico back in July.
The move was a watershed moment for the Sinaloa cartel, which then split into two factions, "Los Chapitos," men close to Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and his sons, and those loyal to Zambada, a group known as "La Mayiza," both fighting for territory and drug smuggling routes in northern Mexico.
Since both Guzmán López and Zambada were arrested in July, the son of "El Chapo" had been held by U.S. authorities at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, Chicago, but according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and to his lawyer, Guzmán López has been transferred to a new facility due to poor conditions at his other federal prison.
Chicago's federal detention facility has previously housed some of the most notorious criminals in recent history. Known for its fortress-like architecture and proximity to the city's federal courts, MCC Chicago is designed to hold high-profile detainees awaiting trial.
Also known as "El Güero Moreno," Guzmán López remains under the custody of U.S. authorities, but the high-profile inmate has now been transferred to a new —and undisclosed— facility starting on Oct. 16.
Jeffrey Lichtman, Guzmán López's lawyer, confirmed the transfer to Noticias Telemundo and added that his client requested to be moved due to the poor living conditions he experienced in the Chicago federal prison.
During his statement, Lichtman continued to deny the rumors coming out of Mexican outlets that suggested Guzmán López and his brother Ovidio had struck a deal with U.S. government officials before his capture.
Despite these claims, Lichtman has categorically denied any such arrangement, insisting that his client is not cooperating with the feds. But the attorney's carefully worded statements during Guzmán López's latest hearing left room for interpretation, causing many to wonder if their legal strategy could change as the case progresses.
Days after being arrested, Guzmán López pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges at a federal court in Chicago. The five-count indictment also included money laundering, conspiracy and weapons charges.
Guzmán López's next court appearance is scheduled for January, when Judge Sharon Coleman will address any remaining concerns about the dual representation by his attorney.
But Guzmán López is not the only "Chapito" awaiting for his hearing. It was also revealed that his brother, Ovidio Guzmán, was transferred back to MCC Chicago as he is expected to appear before Judge Coleman for a hearing on Oct. 21. He was extradited from Mexico in 2023 on drug trafficking charges.
Lichtman revealed that Ovidio remained under custody of U.S. authorities at all times, but due to security concerns, the location is yet to be revealed.
Two other brothers, Iván Guzmán Salazar and Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, also indicted, remain at large. U.S. authorities argue that the four "Chapitos" revived their father's drug empire after he was arrested in 2016.
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