The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has verified the existence of records pertaining to the arrest of Ismael Zambada García, also known as "El Mayo," and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of notorious figure Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, which took place on July 25, 2024, in the United States.
The organization declined to provide the requested documentation, citing concerns over maintaining the confidentiality of the individuals involved.
Journalist Ioan Grillo posted on his X social media account an image of an official communication from researcher Joseph Hefferon on October 19, which was the agency's response to a request for information.
A Freedom of Information Act application was submitted, assigned case number 1679203-001, under the title "Arrest of Ismael Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez (On or After July 25, 2024)".
The FBI stated that its search for records related to the petition has been completed, however, it has determined that certain documents containing information about third parties are exempt from public disclosure.
The FBI has denied a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by investigator @HefferonJoe for documents related to the arrest and alleged cross-border kidnapping of El Mayo Zambada in 2024. The agency acknowledged the existence of relevant records but cited exemptions to withhold their disclosure.
The agency relied on exemptions 6 and 7(C) of the Freedom of Information Act, as outlined in Title 5, Section 552 of the U.S. Code, to justify the protection of personal privacy.
The agency contended that the applicant failed to demonstrate that the public's right to know about government operations and activities outweighed the privacy concerns of the individuals involved.
The FBI determined that releasing the files would be an unwarranted breach of personal privacy, ultimately denying the request, while maintaining the option for the applicant to pursue an appeal through established administrative channels.
Mexico withholds information from the public, maintaining secrecy about certain matters.
The FBI's denial of access to documents further limits the availability of information related to the case in Mexico.
The Mexican Prosecutor General's Office has chosen to withhold for five years information related to the investigation into the circumstances that led to the extradition of Zambada to the United States.
The availability of certain documents from both authorities remains restricted, thereby obscuring several key details surrounding the operation, including the events surrounding the flight and the men's entry into the United States.
The case has taken on added significance due to differing accounts surrounding Ismael Zambada's detention by U.S. authorities.
A self-identified drug dealer has alleged that he was deceived and taken into custody by Guzmán López, who allegedly subsequently turned him over to U.S. law enforcement.
