Death penalty request withdrawn for three Mexican drug lords

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Tuesday that it will not seek the death penalty for drug lords Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, Rafael Caro Quintero, and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes.

What was reported?

Federal Prosecutor Joseph Nocella Jr. filed three court documents officially informing the courts of the Eastern District of New York that Attorney General Pam Bondi authorized not to seek the death penalty against these three drug traffickers.

“The Government respectfully submits this letter to inform… that it will not seek the death penalty,” the documents state.

Turn in the Judicial Process

In April 2025, the DOJ had indicated that it would seek the death penalty for Carrillo Fuentes and Caro Quintero, the latter also accused of murdering DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.

Both were extradited from Mexico in February 2025, in what was interpreted as a response by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking.

In the case of Zambada, the possibility of applying the death penalty was considered from June, but this option was also officially ruled out.

Zambada Case: Drug Lord Surrendered Under Deception

Arrested in July 2024, Zambada allegedly arrived in the US under false pretenses, accompanied by Joaquín Guzmán López, son of “El Chapo.”

In February 2025, Zambada wrote to the Mexican government requesting repatriation to avoid the death penalty.
Followers of the case are closely monitoring any statements these three drug lords may make during their trials, as their pardons could be linked to their potential collaboration with the justice system.

Their testimonies could reveal key information about drug trafficking networks and their ties to both national and international actors.

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Sources:

• EFE