The arrest of El Mayo Zambada triggers tensions between Mexico and the U.S.

The recent arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, one of the most influential and longest-serving drug traffickers in Mexico, has triggered a series of reactions and accusations involving both his family and the authorities of both countries. The Mexican Attorney General's Office has classified Zambada's surrender to U.S. authorities by Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, as an act of "treason to the homeland." This unusual statement not only highlights the tensions within the Sinaloa Cartel but also underscores the complexity of relations between Mexico and the United States in the fight against drug trafficking. On July 25, U.S. authorities arrested Zambada, who had managed to evade justice for four decades. The arrest was met with surprise and distrust, especially given the relationship he had with Guzmán López, who, as the son of one of the country’s most notorious drug lords, is no stranger to controversy. The Mexican Attorney General's Office has argued that Zambada's surrender constitutes an illegal act, depriving a person of their liberty within national territory and handing them over to a foreign country. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has made strong statements regarding the situation. From the outset, the president expressed his displeasure at the lack of information coming from the U.S., which has fueled speculation about the true motives behind the arrest. The president has supported the Attorney General's request for more details about the flight that took Zambada and Guzmán López from Sinaloa to New Mexico, reflecting a clear pursuit of transparency in a matter involving both high-ranking Mexican officials and U.S. justice. The situation becomes even more complicated with Zambada's statements, who through his defense has suggested that his presence on the plane was the result of a deception by Guzmán López. According to the drug trafficker, he was informed that he would travel to mediate a political meeting, implying that he maintained connections with the political elite of Sinaloa. However, the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, has denied that such a meeting was scheduled, casting doubt on Zambada's claims. The accusation of treason to the homeland not only involves a debate about family loyalty and the ties between organized crime and politics but also highlights the importance of national sovereignty in the current context. For years, Mexico has collaborated with the U.S. in the fight against drug trafficking, but Zambada's recent arrest has reignited discourse on sovereignty and foreign intervention in the country’s internal affairs. Under AMLO's administration, the rhetoric has shifted, and the defense of sovereignty has become a fundamental pillar of the government's discourse. This contrasts with the past when the surrender and extradition of drug traffickers were seen as victories in the fight against organized crime. The arrest of Zambada and the accusations against his son have put this new stance to the test as the Mexican government faces the reality of an increasingly complicated relationship with its northern neighbor. Furthermore, Zambada's arrest could have consequences beyond political implications. The struggle for control of the Sinaloa Cartel could intensify, as rival factions seek to seize power following the fall of one of their leaders. This could result in an increase in violence in Sinaloa and other regions of the country, further complicating the security situation in Mexico. The death of Sinaloan politician Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda, which occurred on the same day as Zambada's arrest, adds a layer of mystery to this already complicated web. The circumstances of his death, initially presented as an attempted robbery, have raised suspicions and led the federal Attorney General's Office to request a more thorough investigation into the events. This aspect of the case is crucial, as it could reveal deeper connections between drug trafficking and politics in Sinaloa. In conclusion, the arrest of "El Mayo" Zambada and the accusations against Joaquín Guzmán López present an episode that not only affects the involved parties but also resonates within the political and social landscape of Mexico. As events unfold, attention will focus on the revelations that may arise, as well as the possible repercussions for the fight against drug trafficking and the relationship between Mexico and the United States. Zambada's story is undoubtedly a reflection of the challenges the country faces in its quest for justice, security, and sovereignty.