EXTREMELY SENSITIVE CONTENT – 18+ ONLY:
This article discusses sensitive historical events related to organized crime, violence, and arrests. The content is presented for educational purposes only, to promote understanding of the past and encourage reflection on how societies can prevent similar tragedies in the future. It does not endorse or glorify any form of violence or extremism.
THE ARREST OF 35 DEATHS: The Operation to Capture El Chapo’s Son
As the son of infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Ovidio Guzmán is a controversial figure in the world of organized crime. This article delves into the turbulent life and times of Ovidio Guzmán, tracing his rise within the Sinaloa Cartel. We will examine his involvement in narcotics trafficking, his encounters with the law, his dramatic capture and release by Mexican authorities in 2019, and the 2023 arrest that shocked the world with its unprecedented details.
Ovidio Guzmán López (born 1990) is the youngest son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel – one of the world’s largest drug trafficking organizations. Along with his brothers Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, Ovidio is known as one of “Los Chapitos” (El Chapo’s sons). He is believed to be involved in overseeing the cartel’s fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine operations, especially after his father’s arrest and extradition to the U.S. in 2017. Ovidio is notorious for his lavish lifestyle, often flaunting expensive cars and weapons on social media, but he is also accused of instigating violence in Sinaloa.
The 2019 Arrest – “Culiacanazo”
On October 17, 2019, Mexican security forces raided Ovidio’s home in Culiacán, Sinaloa, arresting him for extradition to the U.S. at the DEA’s request. However, the Sinaloa Cartel responded violently: hundreds of gunmen blockaded the city, opened fire, torched vehicles, and ultimately secured Ovidio’s release. The hours-long clash left at least 8 dead (according to the Mexican government) and dozens wounded. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) ordered Ovidio’s release to avoid further bloodshed, a decision that shocked the public and was criticized as a “surrender” to organized crime. Known as “Culiacanazo,” the incident exposed the cartel’s power and the government’s vulnerability.
The 2023 Arrest – Violence Resulting in 35 Deaths
On January 5, 2023, Ovidio was recaptured in a major military operation in Jesús María, on the outskirts of Culiacán. Mexican special forces, with U.S. intelligence support, surrounded and arrested him after intense fighting. The Sinaloa Cartel again retaliated: they blockaded Culiacán’s airport, shot down a military aircraft, burned vehicles, and clashed with troops. According to Mexican Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval, the incident resulted in 29–35 deaths (10 soldiers, 19 cartel members, and several civilians), 35 soldiers wounded, and 21 gunmen captured. This arrest was seen as a “victory” for the AMLO administration but also shocked the world due to its higher level of violence compared to 2019. Ovidio was extradited to the U.S. on September 15, 2023, facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges in Chicago.
Ovidio’s Role in the Sinaloa Cartel
As the youngest “Chapito,” Ovidio was believed to lead a faction of the cartel focused on producing fentanyl – a deadly synthetic opioid fueling a crisis in the U.S. He was wanted by the U.S. with a $5 million reward. Following El Chapo’s capture, Los Chapitos vied for power with other factions, leading to internal cartel conflict and violence in Sinaloa. Some sources indicate Ovidio attempted to “ban” fentanyl production in 2023 to reduce U.S. pressure but was arrested nonetheless.
The arrest of Ovidio Guzmán – resulting in 35 deaths in 2023 – was not only a blow to the Sinaloa Cartel but also a stark revelation of organized crime’s power in Mexico. From a life of luxury to repeated confrontations with the law, Ovidio represents a new generation of drug lords inheriting their father’s bloody legacy. These events continue to shock the world, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation to combat drug trafficking and violence.
As of early 2026, Ovidio Guzmán López (known as “El Ratón”) is not dead. He is currently alive and in federal custody in the United States.
Extradition: Following his high-profile arrest in Mexico in January 2023, he was extradited to the U.S. in September 2023 to face trial.
Legal Status: He is facing multiple charges related to the trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs, money laundering, and firearms offenses. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Current Location: He is being held in a federal prison, typically appearing in court in Chicago for his ongoing legal proceedings.
The rumors regarding his death are likely confused with the violent clashes that occurred during his arrest in 2023, where 29 people were killed, but Ovidio himself was taken into custody unharmed.
Sources
BBC News: “Ovidio Guzmán-López: Twenty-nine killed during arrest of El Chapo’s son” (January 6, 2023)
CNN: “Extradition of ‘El Chapo’ son to the US halted after 29 killed in arrest operation” (January 7, 2023)
Wikipedia: “Ovidio Guzmán López”
Al Jazeera: “Ovidio Guzman, son of feared Mexican drug lord ‘El Chapo’, extradited to US” (September 16, 2023)
Reuters: “At least 29 killed in Mexico capture of Chapo’s son” (January 6, 2023)
Insight Crime: “Chapitos Profile” (November 21, 2025)
ABC News: “At least 29 killed in Mexico during capture of Chapo’s son Ovidio Guzman” (January 6, 2023)
KJZZ: “Mexican Defense secretary: 29 killed in Sinaloa operation to recapture Ovidio Guzman” (January 6, 2023)
Northeastern Global News: “Will the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán help Mexico’s war on drugs?” (January 18, 2023)
The New York Times: “The Toll of Capturing El Chapo’s Son: 10 Soldiers, 19 Cartel Members Dead” (January 6, 2023)
Additional historical documents from academic sources on Mexican drug cartels.