A hard blow to the Sinaloa Cartel heightens tensions between Mexico and the U.S. over drug trafficking. Federal forces captured José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, alias El Güerito
He is a key operator of Los Chapitos and head of security for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán. His capture represents a blow to the structure of the Sinaloa Cartel and generates tensions in the Mexico-U.S. relationship.
The arrest occurred on February 19, 2025, during a joint operation by the National Guard and the Army. After his detention, he was transferred to Mexico City and faces charges of drug trafficking and organized crime. Authorities have described the capture as a strategic action in the fight against crime.
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Trump's Pressure on Sheinbaum
The capture responds to the growing pressure from former President Donald Trump on the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum. Washington has demanded concrete actions against the cartels, arguing that drug trafficking violence directly impacts U.S. security. Sheinbaum's government is trying to balance its response between national sovereignty and the demands of the White House.
The detainee, alias ‘El Güerito’, is identified as a key financial operator and head of security within the ‘Los Chapitos’ faction. His role was crucial in the protection and expansion of the cartel, coordinating security logistics for drug trafficking.
In November 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice accused him of leading ‘Los Chimales’, an armed group that protects drug routes to the north. He is also linked to money laundering operations and the shipment of fentanyl to U.S. territory.
A Political and Diplomatic Blow
Sheinbaum seeks to balance her relationship with the U.S. while trying to show that the detention was the result of a national strategy. However, analysts agree that this action was a concession to Washington's demands. Diplomacy between the two countries remains tense, with new pressures from the White House to intensify the fight against the cartels.
Experts believe that the capture of ‘El Güerito’ could disrupt the balance within the Sinaloa Cartel, generating internal disputes. The ‘Los Chapitos’ faction now faces the risk of fragmentation, which could lead to violent clashes in various regions of the country.
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U.S. authorities have congratulated Mexico on the operation. It is expected that the U.S. will request his extradition in the coming days, which could generate tensions in Mexico's internal politics. The Department of Justice seeks to prosecute him for drug trafficking and conspiracy.
Despite the blow to the cartel, experts warn that the structure of ‘Los Chapitos’ will continue to operate. An increase in violence is expected as other groups attempt to fill the void left by ‘El Güerito’. Authorities will need to prepare for potential conflicts within the cartel.
Trump's Pressure Will Continue
Trump has insisted that Mexico do more against drug trafficking, threatening with tariffs and unilateral measures if there are no concrete results. The White House will continue to monitor Sheinbaum's government's actions, while Mexico seeks to avoid a crisis in the bilateral relationship.
