Mexican authorities have officially acknowledged the death of Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez. He became one of the key leaders in the infamous narcotics syndicate, “Los Chapitos.” The long-awaited operation to apprehend him unfolded in Navolato. This small town is located only 32 kilometers (19 miles) from Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state. The U.S. government has identified Figueroa Benítez, aka “El Perris,” as one of the cartel’s top leaders. They aren’t satisfied with just arresting him, though — they have offered a $1 million bounty on his head.
The raid took place under the white hot media microscope. This was largely due to the region’s violent past, notably after the notorious “Culiacanazo” event of 2019. This operation was intended to take Figueroa Benítez into custody, but led to his death. Omar García Harfuch, the Mexican Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, tweeted the news. He pointed to the dire risks in these operations.
This activated the U.S. government’s whole-of-government approach to playing a catalytic role in the current fight against drug trafficking. Since Figueroa Benítez’s death, his family members have safely crossed into the United States. They entered by crossing through the San Ysidro port of entry. Per an unidentified source speaking with CNN, this shift was included in a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
In January 2023, Ovidio Guzmán, another prominent member of “Los Chapitos”—the faction of the Sinaloa cartel run by El Chapo’s sons—was extradited to the United States. Guzmán has pleaded not guilty to trafficking and related charges that stretch across international drug and money laundering networks. According to recent court documents, the man known simply as “M.D.” could be pleading guilty soon.
Yet the backdrop of these landmark developments paints a nuanced picture of a multi-faceted law enforcement campaign to combat organized crime. During previous attempts to arrest Guzmán, Mexican authorities had released Guzmán from custody in order to avoid an armed standoff, a surrender order made in order to “save lives.” This context highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Sinaloa and their ongoing battle against powerful drug cartels.
We know that authorities are walking through a land mine. Figueroa Benítez’s death and its aftermath should have important ramifications for both Mexico and the US. We’re as determined as ever to upend cartel business as usual. Together, we want to create a future where justice always triumphs over the relentless forces of organized crime.
