Recent developments signal a strategic realignment in transnational anti-cartel operations. Joaquín Guzmán López, son of “El Chapo”, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago, agreeing to cooperate with US authorities before his June 2026 sentencing. Concurrently, Omar García Harfuch’s ascension within Mexico’s security structure has enabled strategic personnel placement. Key allies now control critical agencies, including the Specialized Organized Crime Unit and the Criminal Investigation Agency. US Ambassador Ronald Johnson commended Mexican forces for neutralizing Isidro Meza Flores (aka “El Pichón”), a Beltrán Leyva operative, during operations in Michoacán. Meanwhile, US-Mexico bilateral meetings in Puerto Vallarta focused on enhanced coordination mechanisms and border security strategies, reflecting sustained institutional commitment despite ongoing organizational transitions within both governments.
Joaquín Guzmán López pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges in US.
Joaquín Guzmán López, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, pleaded guilty Monday in a federal court in Chicago to drug trafficking and organized crime charges. The defendant, known as “El Güero”, admitted responsibility for cocaine and fentanyl distribution while leading a Sinaloa Cartel faction alongside his brother Ovidio. Following his guilty plea, the Mexican national will cooperate with US authorities and return to court for sentencing on June 1, 2026, according to Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman. Guzmán López arrived in the US last year aboard a private plane with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the cartel, who was allegedly brought against his will. His brother Ovidio previously pleaded guilty to similar charges in July under an undisclosed agreement with US authorities. Both brothers face accusations of running a cartel faction designated by the US government as a terrorist organization.
Forbes, 12/01/25, Redacción: Joaquín Guzmán López se declara culpable de narcotráfico en EU.
“All for one and one for all” behind Harfuch.
Omar García Harfuch’s ascension within Mexico’s governmental hierarchy is progressing favorably in the administration’s view, despite three Cabinet exits. The former Mexico City police chief’s promotion allows the Executive and Harfuch himself to occupy vital positions for developing security strategies against organized crime. Security Secretary Claudia coordinated a meeting in Mexico City, which brought together key officials including former Harfuch aide César Oliveros, now heading the Specialized Unit for Organized Crime Investigation, and Héctor Elizalde, recently appointed head of the Criminal Investigation Agency. Elizalde’s appointment –currently number two under Harfuch at SSPC– to the AIC, a position previously abandoned by Attorney General Gertz, leaves the role vacant after his predecessor Felipe de Jesús Gallo’s departure. The AIC director is among the administration’s most powerful figures, commanding thousands of agents.
El País, 11/30/25, Pablo Ferri: Uno para todos y todos para Harfuch.
US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson hails takedown of “El Pichón”, Beltrán Leyva cartel operative.
US Ambassador to Mexico congratulated the Mexican Security Cabinet for dismantling Isidro Meza Flores’s cell, known as “El Pichón”, a high-ranking member of the Beltrán Leyva cartel and operator for “El Chapo”. Johnson described the detention as a significant step in combating cross-border drug trafficking and violence. The operation in Michoacán targeted the Sinaloa Cartel figure, who was wanted on federal charges, along with other cartel members detained in a large-scale Navy-led raid where suspects opened fire on authorities. “El Pichón” died during the confrontation between criminals and Navy personnel. He faced drug trafficking charges in Mexico and the US, with an outstanding extradition order from the Federal District Court for Southern California for importing and distributing fentanyl and cocaine.
El Financiero, 12/01/25, Redacción: Ronald Johnson, embajador de EU en México, celebra ‘caída’ de “El Pichón”, operador de los Beltrán Leyva.
Mexico and US exchange strategies to fight organized crime; review border security.
The US Embassy emphasized the need to jointly confront transnational criminal networks and enhance border security. Within their security cooperation framework, Mexico and the US exchanged ideas to better combat organized crime and fortify the border. The US Embassy highlighted Puerto Vallarta as the venue for the bilateral meeting titled “Mexico and the Future of the US-Mexico Crime Partnership”, where specialists from both nations shared strategies. On November 19, Mexico hosted US Northern Command leader General Gregory M. Guillot at the National Defense Secretariat (Defensa). Ambassador Johnson attended the meeting, which reflected the direction set by President Claudia Sheinbaum and President Donald Trump regarding cooperation and joint mission to maintain security in both nations.
El Universal, 11/29/25, Eduardo Dina: México y EU intercambian ideas contra el crimen organizado; revisan seguridad en la frontera.
Mexican government pledges to strengthen highway security.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch committed to improving highway security nationwide after meeting with truckers following a national blockade on November 24. Harfuch announced via social media that during a meeting with transporters, held under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s instructions, the government established a commitment to “strengthen security on highways nationwide”. The official detailed that, in collaboration with the National Guard and SEGOB, authorities agreed to “reinforce coordination mechanisms, follow up on investigations at prosecutor offices, and strengthen operations on stretches with higher incident rates”. Additionally, actions will be integrated within the National Strategy against Extortion to address crime-related complaints.
Aristegui Noticias, 11/29/25, Redacción: Gobierno de México se compromete a reforzar seguridad en carreteras.
Defensa announces key changes to 2026 military service: what young people need to know.
Defensa announced changes to 2026 military service. The Ministry of Defense (Defensa) introduced important adjustments, aiming to bring young people closer to the Armed Forces, promote discipline, civic responsibility, and knowledge of Mexican nationalism. “The National Defense Secretariat wants military service not to be seen as a burden but as an opportunity to learn values, understand military life, and become familiar with the country’s different armed forces. This also provides a distinct option amid peer pressure”, stated an expert. Among the most significant changes are reduced instruction and implementation times, rather than occupying all of daily life. According to a specialist, this seeks to make military service more educational and motivational, focusing on promoting values like discipline, social responsibility, gender equality, respect for human rights, and providing notions of personal defense and organization.
MVS, 12/01/25, Damaris Sánchez: Sedena anuncia cambios clave en el servicio militar 2026: lo que los jóvenes deben saber.
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