Imprisoned Sinaloa Cartel Founder 'El Mayo' Discusses U.S. Politics And The State Of His Ranch With His Lawyer To 'Preserve Mental Stability'

Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada has been mostly isolated in a Brooklyn prison since last September as he faces a series of charges in the U.S. that could potentially get him the death penalty.

As "El Mayo" awaits for developments in the case, including requests to be repatriated to Mexico and, alternatively, reaching a plea deal to avoid being executed, his lawyer gave details about his daily life and how he seeks to maintain mental stability despite the lack of contact with the outside world.

Speaking to specialized journalist Ioan Grillo, Frank Perez said "El Mayo" gets daily visits from his lawyers, with whom he discusses current events and personal affairs unrelated to his case to stay sane. "He discusses politics, what's going on in Mexico and the U.S., as well as his cattle down in his ranches," Grillo detailed.

"He is isolated but gets daily visits from his legal team to not lose his mind," Perez added in another interview.

"El Mayo" has been making headlines this week as he seeks to be repatriated to Mexico and avoid trial in the U.S. Zambada's defense contends that his abduction and subsequent transfer to the U.S. violated Mexico's sovereignty. He claimed he was taken from Culiacán, Sinaloa, and transported to Texas in a private aircraft with the involvement of Joaquin Guzmán López, son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, as the faction of the cartel loyal to him clashes with those answering to Zambada.

In this context, the Claudia Sheinbaum administration also revealed that it has requested Zambada's extradition up to four times since he was captured in Texas in July 2024. Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero said the Joe Biden administration acknowledged the requests but has so far not provided answers. He added that extradition processes usually take no more than 45 days, but there have been cases in which they have had to wait up to 12 years for a response.

Sheinbaum also said this week that her administration will evaluate Zambada's repatriation request based on legal principles applicable to any Mexican resident. Zambada's main goal lies in avoiding the death penalty, an outcome for which he is also willing to take a plea deal in the U.S, according to Perez.

The revelation, which took place this week, marks a shift in the drug lord's legal strategy, considering he had pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against him both in Texas and New York. A spokesperson for the Brooklyn District Attorney declined to comment on the statements from Zambada's lawyer. Prosecutors had reportedly initiated negotiations with Zambada to secure his cooperation.