In recent years, Guzmán’s sons have led a faction of the cartel known as the “Chapitos,” or little Chapos, that has been identified as a main exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. In 2023, federal prosecutors unsealed sprawling indictments against dozens of members of the Sinaloa cartel, including the brothers, in a fentanyl-trafficking investigation.

El Chapo is being reminded that blood isn't always thicker than water. His sons are negotiating plea deals with the U.S. government.