Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Mexico Is Willing To Extradite El Chapo To The U.S., Official Says
President Pena Nieto announced on Friday that Mexican marines had captured drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman (Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool /Getty Images)
A Mexican federal law enforcement official said Saturday that Mexico is willing to extradite Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman for trial in the United States, marking a drastic shift in the government's position after El Chapo's last capture in 2014.The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that "Mexico is ready" for extradition process and "they are to cooperate with the U.S." El Chapo faces at least seven charges in U.S. federal courts, including indictments for drug trafficking and murder.
A senior official at the Justice Department told NBC News, "I can confirm that it is the practice of the United States to seek extradition whenever defendants subject to U.S. charges are apprehended in another country."
According to the New York Times, the process could take months, and that El Chapo's lawyers will fight his extradition. The Times reported in July that the United States requested El Chapo's extradition three weeks before his escape from prison, but Mexican officials resisted, saying it was an issue of sovereignty, and that El Chapo would serve his due time in Mexico before being sent to the U.S.
At the time, current attorney general Murillo Karam, said, "El Chapo must stay here to complete his sentence, and then I will extradite him. So about 300 or 400 years later — it will be awhile."
El Chapo was recaptured on Friday after his attempts to contact filmmakers about producing a biopic based on his own life gave up his location in the Sierra Madre.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
