U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago has successfully removed Osiel Cardenas Guillen, 57, a known member of the Zeta Cartel, to Mexico, where he faces charges of homicide and illegal firearm possession.
“The removal of Osiel Cardenas, a notorious international fugitive, underscores our unwavering commitment to public safety and justice,” said Samuel Olson, ERO Chicago Field Office Director. “This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration across agencies and borders. By returning this dangerous individual to Mexico to face serious charges, we are taking a critical step in safeguarding our communities.”
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ERO officers took custody of Cardenas from the United States Penitentiary (USP) in Terre Haute, Indiana, before transferring him to the Otay Mesa Detention Center in California. Cardenas was escorted to the San Diego Port of Entry, where he was handed over to Mexican law enforcement without incident.
Cardenas’ Criminal History
- Initial Entry and Arrest: Cardenas entered the U.S. on Aug. 27, 1992, using a Border Crossing Card in Brownsville, Texas. He was arrested the same day for possessing approximately two kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute. He was convicted in 1993 and sentenced to 63 months in prison.
- Transfer to Mexico: On Dec. 23, 1993, Cardenas was transferred to Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico Treaty on the Execution of Penal Sentences.
- Major Indictments: In 2000, U.S. prosecutors indicted him on 13 counts of drug trafficking, six counts of assaulting federal officers, and other charges related to laundering money and operating a criminal enterprise.
- Extradition to the U.S.: In 2007, Cardenas was extradited to the United States to face trial. He was convicted in 2010 of multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic cocaine and marijuana, laundering monetary instruments, and threatening federal agents. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
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In February 2022, ERO Chicago lodged an immigration detainer against Cardenas while he was incarcerated at USP Terre Haute. By July 2024, ERO Mexico City informed ERO Chicago of active arrest warrants for Cardenas in Mexico. In August, ERO Chicago issued a final administrative removal order, citing Cardenas’ federal aggravated felony convictions for drug trafficking.
This complex operation was made possible through the collaboration of ERO offices in Chicago, San Diego, Harlingen, Texas, and Mexico City, alongside the International Operations Division. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Cardenas’ extradition marks a significant milestone in combating transnational crime and ensuring justice for victims of cartel violence.
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