Delta 10″ Assassinated in Sonora: Death of Cartel Leader Signals Collapse of ‘Los Deltas’

Targeted by U.S. and Mexican authorities, Eleazar Pulido Landeros’ execution marks a decisive blow to the Sinaloa-affiliated faction amid rising borderland violence.

Eleazar Pulido Landeros, known as “Delta 10,” a high-priority target for both Mexican and U.S. authorities, was found dead on May 23, 2025, in Pitiquito, Sonora. He was reportedly killed by a rival criminal group. Pulido Landeros was a leader of “Los Deltas,” an armed faction affiliated with “Los Chapitos,” a branch of the Sinaloa Cartel. He had outstanding arrest warrants for aggravated homicide and criminal association and was actively pursued in the Sonoran desert region. A reward of up to 500,000 pesos had been offered for information leading to his capture.

His death is considered the definitive dismantling of “Los Deltas,” as nearly all members have been arrested or neutralized. Pulido Landeros was also implicated in the October 2024 murder of former U.S. Marine Nicholas Douglas Quets, who was killed while traveling on the Altar-Caborca highway in Sonora. This incident heightened diplomatic tensions between Mexico and the United States.

The elimination of “Delta 10” is part of broader efforts by Mexican and U.S. authorities to combat organized crime in the region. However, Sonora remains a hotspot for drug and human trafficking due to its strategic location along the U.S. border, and violence persists as criminal groups vie for control.