Last Friday, at least 17 immediate family members of Ovidio Guzmán López, alias “El Ratón,” quietly crossed into the United States as part of an alleged cooperation agreement between Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s son and US federal authorities. Although the operation was secretive, details are emerging and reveal what could be just the beginning of a series of benefits for members of the Guzmán López clan.
According to Chaparro, among those who crossed the San Ysidro border bridge were Griselda López Pérez, Ovidio’s mother, his sister Griselda Guzmán López, his brother-in-law, and several nephews and cousins. They all arrived on foot, with bulky luggage and at least $70,000 in cash. An FBI team was waiting for them and processed them under the legal concept of humanitarian parole, a special permit used in emergency situations or for people who, under normal circumstances, would not be able to enter the United States.
This type of parole is granted in exceptional cases for urgent humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit. In this context, the entry of the Guzmán clan represents a critical component of a cooperation pact that seeks, among other things, to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel’s structures from within.
According to sources from the Department of Justice, the DEA, and HSI, individuals who collaborate with the US government can access a series of benefits, provided their cooperation is deemed valuable and verifiable. These benefits include:
Humanitarian Parole: Allows legal entry into the country to individuals who would otherwise be inadmissible. It is granted at the discretion of the agency and can be renewed annually.
Relocation to Safe Zones: The federal government has the authority to assign new residences to protect witnesses and their families, under schemes similar to the Witness Protection Program.
New Identity: New documents and names are granted to erase traces of the past, especially in cases of high risk of retaliation.
Temporary Financial Support: Although they do not receive a “salary,” they are provided with initial financial assistance to start a new life, including temporary housing, education, and in some cases medical assistance.
Legal Residency and Path to Citizenship: Over time and under certain conditions, some beneficiaries can apply for permanent residency, provided they comply with the terms of the agreement.
Partial Asset Preservation: In certain cases, as part of the negotiation, financial assets may be retained, provided they are considered “clean” or not directly linked to criminal activity.
