U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Chicago, with support from ERO San Diego, Harlingen, Texas, Mexico City, and the International Operations Division, has deported Osiel Cardenas Guillen to Mexico. Cardenas Guillen, 57, is a known member of the Zeta cartel and is wanted in Mexico for homicide and illegal possession of a firearm.
"The successful removal of Osiel Cardenas, a notorious international fugitive, underscores our unwavering commitment to public safety and justice," said ERO Chicago Field Office Director Samuel Olson. "This operation...demonstrates the power of collaboration in law enforcement."
Cardenas was taken into custody by ERO officers from the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was then transferred to the Otay Mesa Detention Center before being escorted through the San Diego Port of Entry where he was handed over to Mexican authorities without incident.
Cardenas initially entered the U.S. on August 27, 1992, using a Border Crossing Card in Brownsville, Texas. On that day, he was arrested for possession with intent to distribute approximately two kilograms of cocaine. He was later convicted and sentenced to 63 months incarceration by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
In December 1993, Cardenas was transferred to Mexico under a treaty between the United States and Mexico regarding penal sentences. In March 2000, an indictment against him included charges related to drug trafficking and assault on federal officers among others.
On January 19, 2007, after cooperation between U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and Mexican authorities secured his extradition back to the U.S., Cardenas faced trial in Texas. He was convicted in March 2010 for various charges including conspiracy to distribute drugs and threatening federal agents.
ERO Chicago lodged an immigration detainer against Cardenas in February 2022 after encountering him at USP Terre Haute. In July that year, ERO Mexico City informed ERO Chicago about active arrest warrants against him in Mexico.
ERO is responsible for domestic immigration enforcement focusing on arresting individuals who threaten community safety or violate immigration laws.
The public can report crime or suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing an online tip form.
