In a future trial against Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, it is still unclear whether the sons of 'El Chapo' Guzmán, known as 'Los Chapitos', will enter the witness protection program or simply act as cooperating witnesses. A reporter mentioned to journalist Azucena Uresti that the Chapitos are cooperating and are close to reaching an agreement.
U.S. authorities have informed the Mexican government that the capture of 'El Mayo' Zambada, which occurred on July 25, was carried out with the help of the Chapitos. Joaquín Guzmán López, arrested alongside him, is believed to have collaborated with authorities to bring him against his will to Texas, where he was detained.
This situation has intensified tensions between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, factions associated with the sons of 'El Chapo' Guzmán and Zambada respectively, triggering a violent dispute since September with hundreds of fatalities and a security crisis in Sinaloa.
Although it is unknown if there was a prior pact between Los Chapitos and the U.S. to avoid harsher penalties, it seems the brothers are close to an agreement. Meanwhile, 'El Mayo' is seeking help from the government to return to Mexico and avoid the death penalty. It is likely that Los Chapitos will reach an agreement with U.S. authorities and may even testify in a legal proceeding against Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada.
Ovidio Guzmán, alias 'El Ratón', will have a new hearing on March 31 after more than two years of his detention. The hearings for Joaquín and Ovidio Guzmán have been rescheduled, and they are expected to face justice between late April and early March.
Reports suggest that both are cooperating with U.S. authorities to possibly avoid trials or receive lesser sentences. 'Los Chapitos' have been identified by the DEA as a dangerous criminal organization linked to fentanyl trafficking, which is why Donald Trump designated them as a terrorist organization as part of the Sinaloa Cartel.
There is a possibility that 'Los Chapitos' will approach a negotiation with the U.S. government, which would involve providing information about their criminal activities and about Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada.
