Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, the notorious leader of the criminal faction known as "Los Chapitos," has been making headlines recently due to his near capture during intense federal operations carried out in Culiacán, Sinaloa. These operations, recently reported, have resulted not only in his escape but also highlight the deepening conflict and violence among drug trafficking groups within the region.
According to reports from various media sources, including insights from journalist José Luis Montenegro, Guzmán reportedly fled through a tunnel similar to escapades executed by his father, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. This development follows several high-profile arrests made during the security operations conducted by the Mexican Army, National Guard, and Air Force under the auspices of the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA).
The operations, which took place on the night of February 19, 2025, aimed at dismantling the criminal infrastructure of "Los Chapitos," resulted in the arrests of several significant members of the group. Among those captured were José Ángel Canobbio, also known as "El Güerito," and Kevin Castro Gil, identified as "El 200," both of whom played pivotal roles within the organization. Reports indicated these individuals were instrumental in logistical and financial operations for Guzmán.
While these arrests were seen as considerable blows to "Los Chapitos," Guzmán’s escape remains a pressing concern for federal law enforcement. Montenegro reported on his findings during an interview, stating, "En esa vivienda estaba Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar... se habría escapado por un túnel como lo hizo su padre... sí está herido..." This quote aligns with accounts of federal forces being highly active, utilizing helicopters and ground units to locate Guzmán, who is believed to have sustained injuries during the operation.
Ambiguity surrounded the incident as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the media during her morning conference. When asked about the alleged escape of Guzmán, she responded, "Sobre estos temas siempre es mejor que informe el Gabinete de Seguridad; si gustan el martes pueden informarlo con todo detalle," emphasizing her deferral to the security cabinet for additional information on the matter.
Throughout these operations, the streets of Culiacán were alive with the movement of security forces, with images circulating on social media showcasing the extensive measures undertaken by federal agencies. This is not the first incident involving Guzmán, but it has intensified discussions around the persistent violence gripping the state, particularly following the increase of hostilities between factions like "Los Mayos" and "Los Chapitos." The situation hit new heights after the arrest of Ismael "Mayo" Zambada, another significant player, on July 25, 2024, which escalated conflicts and instabilities.
President Sheinbaum reiterated, “No (le ha sido informado de un escape de Guzmán Salazar),” firmly dismissing rumors about the near capture, yet the subsequent growing concerns over his health and the effectiveness of federal operations remained evident. The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, indicated, “las detenciones y operaciones continuarán en Sinaloa...,” showcasing the government’s commitment to pursuing violent criminal enterprises nationwide.
Despite these developments, the fugitive status of Guzmán underlines the challenges facing Mexican authorities. With U.S. law enforcement placing significant pressure on narco-traffickers, Guzmán remains under scrutiny from entities like the DEA, who have designated him as a high-value target linked to the trafficking of deadly substances like fentanyl.
Guzmán’s operations are said to facilitate not just the flow of narcotics within Mexico, but also their distribution across borders to the United States. The treacherous dynamics of his leadership role within "Los Chapitos" not only involve drug trafficking but also orchestrate the security and military fronts of the organization.
For now, as the Mexican government prepares for the upcoming security cabinet briefing, the fate of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán remains uncertain. His ability to evade capture, alongside his reported injury during the skirmish, has fueled speculation about his current state and the government’s next steps. Will additional operations lead to his apprehension, or will he outmaneuver the authorities once again? The layers of this narrative continue to unravel as the conflict and pursuit intensify within the heart of Sinaloa's drug war.