Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Requests Repatriation to Mexico and Protection from the Death Penalty

New York, NY – Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the long-time leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, has formally requested repatriation to Mexico and guarantees against the death penalty while in U.S. custody. His attorneys submitted the request at the Mexican Consulate General in New York, according to documents obtained by CNN.

Zambada, who has been in U.S. custody since July 25, 2023, alleges that his rights were violated when he was arrested upon landing in a private jet near El Paso, Texas. Federal authorities claim he was accompanied by another fugitive cartel leader, Joaquín Guzmán López, at the time of his capture.

In his legal filing, Zambada argues that Mexico should demand his immediate repatriation as the only way to rectify the alleged violation of his rights.

“Mexico must immediately demand my repatriation to national territory as the only way to restore the violation of my rights and ensure the redress of the harm caused by my kidnapping and irregular transfer,” his attorneys wrote.

The request also highlights international law violations during Zambada’s arrest, urging the Mexican government to formally petition the U.S. for his extradition and to ensure that the death penalty is not pursued.

“I formally request my repatriation to the United Mexican States,” Zambada’s attorneys stated. “Meanwhile, we request that the U.S. judiciary and government provide sufficient guarantees that the death penalty will not be applied.”

Zambada also called for Mexican government intervention to ensure his return, stating, “The Mexican State cannot remain passive in the face of this violation of international law and must act decisively to demand redress and the restoration of my rights.”

On September 13, 2024, Zambada pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including drug trafficking and murder. Currently, he is detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn.

Zambada, 77 years old, claims he was ambushed and kidnapped by the son of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán and then handed over to U.S. authorities.

During a press conference on Friday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the Attorney General’s Office is reviewing Zambada’s request.