Authorities Confirm that El Chapo Managed to Communicate With his Sons From Prison

The case highlights the challenges faced by prison and justice systems in curbing the influence of criminal leaders; meanwhile, his sons’ actions continue to reshape the landscape of organized crime in Mexico

Despite his confinement in one of the world’s most secure prisons, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán continues to maintain communication with his sons, the alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. A report by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) reveals a clandestine scheme that allegedly allowed the kingpin to send messages from the maximum-security prison in Colorado.

At ADX Florence—a prison known for housing high-risk inmates—Guzmán has been serving a life sentence since 2019 under strict conditions of isolation.

However, recent investigations indicate that the drug trafficker used his lawyers’ visits as an indirect channel to send messages to his sons. Through unidentified intermediaries, he allegedly managed to exchange communications that included instructions related to criminal operations.

**Clandestine Messages and BOP Restrictions**

According to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons report, the scheme sought to circumvent Special Administrative Measures (SAMs), which are designed to limit any external contact.

Authorities detected messages ranging from threats against informants to activities linked to money laundering. Among those implicated are his children—Iván Archivaldo, Jesús Alfredo, Ovidio, Joaquín, and Rosa Alitzel Guzmán—who are considered the heirs to his criminal empire.

**Conditions of Confinement and “El Chapo’s” Complaints**

On several occasions, Guzmán has alleged “cruel and inhumane treatment” within ADX Florence, going so far as to request his extradition to Mexico.

Nevertheless, these requests have been denied. Authorities maintain rigorous control over his communications, which are constantly monitored and reviewed.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons continues to monitor for any attempts at unauthorized communication, given the risk that such messages could interfere with investigations or facilitate illicit activities.

Although his lawyers have not been formally charged, the case has intensified the pressure on his inner circle and his network of contacts. Los Chapitos and the Struggle for Control of the Sinaloa Cartel

The faction known as “Los Chapitos” has gained prominence within the Sinaloa Cartel in recent years, consolidating its position as an emerging center of power.

Since 2024, this group has been engaged in a violent confrontation with “La Mayiza,” a faction linked to Ismael Zambada Sicairos, alias “Mayito Flaco.” This conflict has intensified violence in Sinaloa, sparking concern among authorities and security analysts.

Tensions reached a critical point in 2025, when Joaquín Guzmán López allegedly kidnapped Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada with the intention of handing him over to U.S. authorities.

This event significantly altered the cartel’s internal balance, deepening divisions and reshaping criminal alliances.

Source: La Silla Rota