Ovidio Guzmán Accuses Sheinbaum of Cartel Collusion

Lawyer Accuses Mexican President Sheinbaum of Aiding Drug Traffickers

Washington D.C.- July 11, 2025

Jeffrey Lichtman, the legal counsel for drug trafficker Ovidio Guzmán López, has leveled serious accusations against Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo following his client’s guilt hearing in the United states.

Speaking to reporters outside the Chicago Court, Lichtman asserted that the Mexican president is acting more as a “public relations arm of a drug trafficker organization” than as a leader the Mexican people deserve.

“The Mexican people – and myself – know that she acts more as the public relations arm of a drug trafficker organization than as an honest president,” Lichtman stated, promising further details in the coming days.

Lichtman’s criticism emerged after Sheinbaum dismissed his prior comments as irresponsible following Guzmán López’s admission of guilt. He also deemed it illogical for the Mexican government to engage in cooperation agreements that involve Mexican, U.S., and drug trafficking authorities.

The lawyer referenced the case of former Secretary of National Defense Salvador Cienfuegos. Cienfuegos faced accusations in the U.S. for allegedly protecting drug traffickers, only to be exonerated in Mexico.

“It is indeed enough to remember how Cienfuegos was returned; he was promptly exonerated, and the DEA’s evidence was dismissed,” lichtman remarked.

Moreover, Lichtman denied reports that Ovidio Guzmán’s relatives were transferred to the United States under an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This claim was made as part of the ongoing legal proceedings involving Guzmán López, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

In response, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and President Sheinbaum have categorically refuted Lichtman’s statements. From Culiacán, President Sheinbaum described the lawyer’s claims as disrespectful.

She reiterated that no foreign government can interfere with the sovereign decisions and justice system of the Mexican State. “The people of Mexico deserve respect, and their presidential institution as well. We will not allow the investiture to be denigrated without foundation,” Sheinbaum declared.

Understanding the Ovidio Guzmán López Case

Ovidio Guzmán López, a prominent figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, was extradited to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking. His legal proceedings shed light on the complex international efforts to combat organized crime.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges in international cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. Allegations of political interference or complicity in such cases often draw important public attention and scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Ovidio Guzmán López?

  Ovidio Guzmán López is a son of Joaquín “El Chapo” guzmán and a key figure within the sinaloa Cartel, facing U.S. drug trafficking charges.

• what were the accusations made by Jeffrey Lichtman?

  Jeffrey Lichtman, Ovidio Guzmán López’s lawyer, accused Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of acting as a public relations agent for a drug trafficking organization.

• What was President Sheinbaum’s response?

  President Sheinbaum rejected the accusations as disrespectful and stated that Mexico’s presidential institution would not tolerate unfounded denigration.

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What is the potential impact of Ovidio Guzmán’s accusations on Claudia Sheinbaum’s political standing and public support?

The Allegations: A Deep dive into Ovidio guzmán’s Claims

Recent reports detail explosive accusations leveled by Ovidio Guzmán,son of incarcerated drug lord joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán,against Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Guzmán alleges a direct collusion between Sheinbaum’s administration and various powerful drug cartels operating within Mexico, specifically implicating her in facilitating cartel activities during her tenure as Mexico City’s mayor and now, as President. These claims, made through legal channels and reported by several Mexican news outlets, centre around alleged financial support and operational leeway granted to cartels in exchange for political favors.The core of the accusation revolves around the idea that Sheinbaum knowingly allowed cartel influence to expand within Mexico City, impacting public safety and governance.

Key terms surfacing in connection with these allegations include: cartel collusion, Claudia Sheinbaum, Ovidio Guzmán, Mexican drug war, narco-politics, Mexico City security, El Chapo Guzmán, Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Specific Accusations and Supporting Evidence (or Lack Thereof)

Guzmán’s accusations aren’t vague. He points to specific instances during Sheinbaum’s time as mayor where he claims cartel activity visibly increased, and law enforcement responses were deliberately muted.

Increased Cartel Presence in Tepito: Guzmán alleges a notable rise in the presence and influence of the Unión de Tepito cartel within Mexico City’s Tepito neighborhood under Sheinbaum’s leadership. He claims this was facilitated by a deliberate lack of police intervention.

Alleged financial Contributions: The accusations include claims of direct financial contributions from cartels to Sheinbaum’s political campaigns, though concrete evidence remains elusive. Guzmán asserts these funds were used to bolster her political standing.

Operational Freedom for Cartels: Guzmán claims cartels were granted operational freedom to conduct activities, including drug trafficking and extortion, within Mexico City with tacit approval from the mayoral administration.

Weakened Law Enforcement: He alleges a deliberate weakening of law enforcement capabilities and a demoralization of police forces,hindering their ability to effectively combat cartel activity.

Currently, the evidence supporting these claims is largely based on Guzmán’s testimony and statements made by his legal team.Autonomous verification is proving tough, and Sheinbaum’s administration has vehemently denied all allegations, labeling them as a desperate attempt by Guzmán to deflect attention from his own criminal activities.

Sheinbaum’s Response and the Government’s Position

President Sheinbaum has consistently dismissed Guzmán’s accusations as “false and defamatory.” Her administration argues that Guzmán, facing serious charges himself, is attempting to manipulate public opinion and undermine her government.

Key points of the government’s response include:

1. Strengthened Security Measures: Sheinbaum’s administration highlights increased investment in security infrastructure and personnel in Mexico City and nationwide.
2. Independent Investigations: The government has announced independent investigations into Guzmán’s claims, promising full openness. However, critics question the impartiality of these investigations given the administration’s vested interest.
3. Focus on Guzmán’s Criminal Record: The administration emphasizes Guzmán’s extensive criminal history and argues his testimony is inherently unreliable.
4. Denial of Financial Links: Sheinbaum has repeatedly denied receiving any financial support from cartels, asserting her commitment to combating organized crime.

The Broader Context: Narco-Politics in Mexico

These accusations aren’t occurring in a vacuum. Mexico has a long and troubled history of narco-politics – the entanglement of drug cartels with political institutions. The relationship between cartels and government officials has been a persistent issue, eroding public trust and hindering efforts to combat organized crime.

Past Precedents: past administrations have faced similar accusations of collusion with cartels, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem.

the Role of Corruption: Widespread corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary creates opportunities for cartels to operate with impunity.

The Impact on Public Safety: Cartel violence continues to plague many parts of Mexico,contributing to a climate of fear and insecurity.

The US Involvement: The United States has a vested interest in Mexico’s security situation, providing aid and intelligence support to combat drug trafficking.

Potential Implications and Future Developments

The accusations against Sheinbaum have significant potential implications for Mexico’s political landscape and its ongoing fight against drug cartels.

Political Fallout: The allegations could damage Sheinbaum’s reputation and erode public support for her administration.

Increased Scrutiny: The accusations will likely lead to increased scrutiny of Sheinbaum’s past actions and her administration’s policies.

Impact on US-Mexico Relations: The situation could strain relations between the US and Mexico, especially if the accusations raise concerns about the effectiveness of mexico’s anti-drug efforts.

Further Investigations: Independent investigations and potential legal challenges are likely to unfold in the coming months.