El Chapo's family flees to the US for protection amid cartel violence

In a significant move linked to ongoing cartel violence, Griselda López, the ex-wife of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, and 16 immediate family members left Mexico for safety in the United States. Reports suggest that they turned themselves in to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. This migration occurred amidst escalating conflicts among drug factions in Mexico, particularly between Los Chapitos and Los Mayitos. The family's flight coincides with ongoing negotiations between Ovidio Guzmán and U.S. law enforcement, hinting that cooperation with authorities might be a reason for their departure. Ovidio Guzmán, one of El Chapo's sons, was captured by Mexican authorities in January 2023. His arrest sparked significant turmoil as rival cartel factions vied for power, and his family's decision to seek refuge indicates a suspected loss of influence by Los Chapitos, his faction. As feared conflicts escalate, it’s presumed that Ovidio might have provided crucial information as part of a deal to facilitate his family's exit under witness protection protocols. The dynamic within the Guzmán family has also been complicated by historical tensions. Griselda has seen the rise and fall of many cartel members, maintaining a significant yet fraught relationship with the business. Following tragic events, including the 2008 murder of her son, she had previously tried to remove her children from danger, demonstrating her acute awareness of the threats posed by their family’s cartel connections. Amid these shifting alliances and threats, the arrival of her family in the U.S. appears to underscore their precarious situation within the tumultuous drug trafficking landscape of Mexico. Reports indicated that after Ovidio's capture, his family expressed urgency in relocating, highlighting that they had no outstanding warrants that would bar their crossing into the U.S. The capture of Ovidio Guzmán has left the family vulnerable while showcasing the constant shifting of power and safety dynamics in the world of narcotraffic in Mexico. Observers note that Griselda's active involvement, including paying for funerals of cartel members killed in confrontations with federal forces, illustrates her deep entrenchment in cartel operations. The implications of their recent move prompt a reflection on how cartel families navigate power struggles and seek safety amidst violence, revealing deeper underlying conflicts within and beyond Mexico’s borders.