Monreal demands a review of the Extradition Law following Ovidio Guzmán's pact with the US

The recent revelation of the judicial agreement between Ovidio Guzmán López and the United States government, following his extradition from Mexico, has generated a political storm that strikes directly at the heart of the country's judicial sovereignty. In response, Ricardo Monreal Ávila , president of the Political Coordination Board of the Chamber of Deputies, announced that Congress will thoroughly review the Extradition Law and current international treaties.

The news doesn't come without warning. President Claudia Sheinbaum 's immediate support for this review marks a firm stance against what they consider a lack of reciprocity and communication on the part of the U.S. government.

During a press conference at the San Lázaro Legislative Palace, Monreal made clear his support for Sheinbaum. The president had openly criticized the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to negotiate directly with Ovidio Guzmán , without any coordination with the Attorney General's Office (FGR).

“Yes, I support the president. Mexico must have access to information about the criminal proceedings of those extradited. That is reciprocity,” Monreal said.

The message is clear: Mexico cannot continue sending high-profile criminals without guarantees of full judicial cooperation .

The son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán was extradited in September 2023, following a military operation that shook Culiacán. This week, it was revealed that Ovidio pleaded guilty to drug trafficking-related offenses in a Chicago court, opening the door to a possible reduced sentence .

This move, agreed upon directly between Guzmán and U.S. authorities, was harshly criticized in Mexico. “Where is Mexican justice? And the right to be informed?” Sheinbaum asked.

Monreal announced that a comprehensive reform of the Extradition Law will be presented in September, at the start of the next legislative session. Among the key points:

• Inclusion of reciprocity mechanisms to ensure that Mexico has information on the judicial proceedings of its citizens.
• Review of related bilateral and international treaties.
• Possible appearance by Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente to detail the diplomatic strategy.
• Parallel update of the National Code of Criminal Procedure , the Federal Law against Organized Crime and the Amparo Law .

These actions are part of a larger legislative package on security and justice , which will seek to strengthen the State's capacity to confront transnational criminal networks.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has inherited a complex relationship with the United States regarding security , marked by a constant stream of extraditions. During her administration alone, 29 people sought by the neighboring country have been extradited.

However, the case of Ovidio Guzmán made it clear that coordination between governments remains fragile , especially on sensitive issues such as drug trafficking and terrorism. "There can't be secret agreements that affect Mexico without consultation," Sheinbaum emphasized.

Monreal's announcement marks the beginning of a discussion that could redefine judicial relations between Mexico and the United States. For now, Congress is already holding meetings with federal agencies, and the issue is expected to gain prominence in the coming weeks. The question that looms large is: Can Mexico continue to allow others to decide the fate of those extradited without having a say in the process?