Former Gulf Cartel boss, founder of Los Zetas, deported to Mexico

Osiel Cardenas Guillen, the former boss of the Gulf Cartel and founder of the notorious Los Zetas, has been deported.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, announced on Monday that Cardenas, 57, was deported via the San Diego Port of Entry to authorities in Mexico where he is wanted on charges of homicide and illegal possession of a firearm.

Cardenas finished serving a lengthy prison term for drug trafficking, threatening federal officials and their family members, and for money laundering. He was convicted in 2010.

The former capo created Los Zetas as the Gulf Cartel’s armed wing.

But Los Zetas later split, prompting years of fighting between the factions that came to a head in 2012 when that group’s leader — Heriberto Lazcano — was killed.

In the years between Cardenas’ arrests and Lazcano’s death, there were numerous cases of fighting in broad daylight in Matamoros and Reynosa and in between.

The state of Tamaulipas also said thousands of people disappeared, and there were massacres of migrants and public displays of the bodies of people killed by cartel factions.

There were also numerous instances of other cartel leaders crossing into the U.S. to escape their rivals, choosing to face prosecution and lengthy prison terms here rather than death in Mexico.

ICE said in the news release that the agency had placed an immigration detainer on Cardenas in 2022.

Samuel Oslon, an official with ICE from Chicago, said Cardenas’ removal underscores the agency’s commitment to public safety.

“The successful removal of Osiel Cardenas, a notorious international fugitive, underscores our unwavering commitment to public safety and justice,” Olson said in a statement.

The operation was coordinated by ICE officials in Chicago, San Diego, Harlingen and Mexico City.

“By returning this dangerous individual to Mexico, where he faces serious charges, we have taken a significant step in safeguarding our communities and upholding the rule of law,” Olson said.

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