Arrest of 'El Chapo' Guzman & Ismael 'El Mayo'

Florence Colorado Family members of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman confirm he is aware of the arrest of his associate, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, and his sons' negotiations with the U.S. government. 

Guzmán's health has declined under the harsh conditions of the Special Administrative Measures (SAMs) regime at the Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, with severely restricted visitation and solitary confinement.

Amnesty International and other organizations have criticized these conditions as 'inhumane.' Guzmán, who continues challenging his extradition and trial as unfair, has already submitted a new appeal, this time representing himself. He hopes for a new trial and to reunite with his sons, Joaquín and Ovidio.

Guzman suffers from high blood pressure, treated with 20mg Lisinopril daily, but his most severe issue is anxiety caused by extreme isolation—he has no contact with other inmates and is medicated for these symptoms. 

He also feels let down by attorney Jeffrey Lichtman, who charged millions for his defense but failed to prevent the SAMs regime or secure a fair trial. Similarly, Guzmán's family expresses disappointment in Puerto Rican attorney Mariel Colón, who has shifted focus to her artistic career, seemingly abandoning the client that brought her fame.

Guzman's primary argument for requesting a new trial, in his own words:

“A. Ground one: I was illegally extradited to the United States.

Supporting FACTS: The extradition to the EDNY was illegal. I should have been extradited to the Western District of Texas and Southern District of California. There was never a waiver of the rule of specialty, signed by a magistrate judge”.

Guzman's second argument for requesting a new trial, in his own words:

“B. Ground two: Ineffective assistance of counsel.

Supporting FACTS: My trial attorneys were ineffective. They did not cross examine witnesses properly and as a result I was convicted. They also did not fight to have certain evidence excluded from trial. Same with my appellate attorney. The evidence is clear”.

This appeal letter was signed on September 25, 2024, two months after the arrest of El Mayo and Joaquín Guzmán López in New Mexico. The recipient of the letter was Judge Brian Cogan, but the decision will be made by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.