The arrest on Thursday of Joaquín Guzmán López, one of the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, has again brought the spotlight to the notorious "Los Chapitos" (The Little Chapos) a group comprising El Chapo's sons, who were in a bloody war against Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada for the reins of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel.
Among them are Guzmán López, known as "El Guero," Ovidio "El Ratón", Iván Archivaldo, and Jesús Alfredo "Alfredillo," who are considered significant targets by the United States Department of Justice. As of Friday, the first two are under U.S. authorities custody.
The origin of "Los Chapitos"
According to Mexican and U.S. records, El Chapo Guzmán could have between 12 and 13 children. Other sources say the figure could go as high as 26.
His elder son, Édgar Guzmán, was killed with more than 500 bullets on May 8, 2008. At the time, the 22 year-old man was considered one of his fathers most trusted collaborators. His place was filled then by his brothers Ovidio "El Ratón," and Joaquín "El Guero."
Each year, a floral monument is erected in the place where Édgar Guzmán was gunned down.
Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar also rose through the ranks of the organization The U.S. Department of State, recognizing the threat they pose, has placed bounties on their heads, offering up to $5 million for information leading to their capture. They are considered the leaders of Los Chapitos.
The organization emerged in their father's absence following his final capture in 2016 and subsequent extradition. Los Chapitos went through several clashes with factions allied to El Mayo and his uncle, Aureliano Guzman Loera, alias "El Guano," related to disputes over control of criminal operations. As a result, the two sides spent years engaged in fierce battles.
Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo: The Uncaptured Leaders
Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, often referred to as "El Chapito," and "El Tocayo" was born on August 15, 1983, in Zapopan, Jalisco. Iván is El Chapo's oldest child alive and is notorious for his involvement in the cartel's operations. He remains one of the most wanted men by U.S. authorities. Despite being arrested in 2005 on charges of money laundering, Iván was released in 2008 due to insufficient evidence. His resilience and ability to evade law enforcement have solidified his position as a key figure in the cartel.
Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, known as "Alfredillo," was born on May 17, 1986, in Zapopan, Jalisco. Like his brother Iván, Jesús Alfredo plays a significant role in the cartel. In 2016, he and Iván were kidnapped by rival cartel members from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) but were later released.
Both men were born while El Chapo was married to her first wife, their mother, María Alejandrina Salazar Hernández. They have a sister named Alejandrina and a brother named César, but their involvement in the organization is unknown.
El Ratón and El Guero
Ovidio Guzmán López, also known as "El Ratón," has experienced a tumultuous career in the cartel. He was first captured in October 2019 during a chaotic event known as the "Culiacanazo," where Mexican authorities briefly detained him but released him to prevent further bloodshed. In January 2023, Ovidio was recaptured and subsequently extradited to the United States in September. Despite declaring his innocence in a U.S. federal court, his future remains uncertain as he faces severe charges related to drug trafficking.
At the moment, el Chapo's son's whereabouts are unknown. U.S. authorities said today he is still under custody, although since Tuesday his name hasn't been found in the public prison system database.
Joaquín Guzmán López, another prominent member of Los Chapitos, was arrested on July 25, marking him as the second son of El Chapo to be detained. He has been involved in the management of methamphetamine super labs and the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. His capture is a significant development in the ongoing battle against the Sinaloa Cartel. The U.S. Department of Justice had long targeted him, highlighting his critical role in the cartel's operations.
El Ratón and El Guero's mother is El Chapo's second wife, Griselda Guadalupe López. They grew up in Mexico City's elite neighborhood, Jardínes de El Pedregal, and only went back to Sinaloa after their brother was murdered.
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