Sheinbaum at a Crossroads: The U.S. Move with ‘El Mayo’ Zambada

The recent letter from Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada has placed President Claudia Sheinbaum in a complex situation with serious political implications. In the document, the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel warns that if he does not receive support from the Mexican government, he will be sentenced to death in the United States. At the same time, he suggests that his capture represents a violation of national sovereignty.

Sheinbaum’s response has been calculated. In her statement, she assured that the case is in the hands of the Attorney General’s Office and that the matter will be analyzed with the legal advisor and lawyers. However, behind this diplomatic stance, there could be a trap set from Washington.

If Sheinbaum seeks Zambada’s extradition, the U.S. is not obligated to grant it and could use the situation to pressure Mexico with genocide accusations due to the fentanyl crisis affecting its population. In this scenario, the White House could leverage the drug trafficking crisis to demand a more aggressive stance from Mexico, potentially destabilizing the government.

On the other hand, if Zambada is not repatriated and remains in U.S. territory, he could become a DEA protected witness. If he decides to speak, he could reveal links between drug trafficking and high-ranking Mexican officials, which could directly impact Sheinbaum’s administration. In this case, the U.S. would hold a powerful tool to exert pressure on the Mexican government.

The crossroads is clear: extradite Zambada and risk a political offensive from the U.S., or let him stay and face the danger of exposing compromising information. In either case, Sheinbaum’s government stability could be at stake.

In a power game where drug trafficking, politics, and diplomacy intertwine, Sheinbaum faces a critical decision. The question remains: will she find a third way or fall victim to a strategy orchestrated from Washington?