### Permanent Detention Requested for “El Mayo”; U.S. Issues Violence Alert in Sinaloa
**By Carlos Álvarez Acevedo | September 12, 2024**
Ismael Mario Zambada García, also known as “El Mayo,” a 76-year-old leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, is set to appear for the first time before Judge James R. Cho in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York on September 13, 2024. On the preceding day, Breon S. Peace, the district attorney for the Eastern District of New York, requested Judge Brian M. Cogan of the same court to issue a permanent detention order against the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, arguing that no release conditions could ensure public safety or the defendant’s court appearance.
Peace highlighted that “El Mayo” had been indicted 16 times over the past 20 years in various U.S. districts and posed a significant flight risk, having evaded capture for decades. Furthermore, Zambada García allegedly has resources to bribe public officials.
“If the defendant is released, he might leverage his influence over Cartel members, his extensive control of smuggling routes, and his dealings with public officials to evade justice,” Peace explained in his request to the New York judge.
Peace also mentioned that Zambada García could easily draw on the cartel’s ongoing drug trafficking activities to finance his escape from justice. The prospect of spending his life in prison provides a strong incentive to flee, he added.
The prosecutor elaborated on Zambada García’s “disregard for human life,” citing the ordered murder of his own nephew, Eliseo Imperial Castro, alias “Cheyo Antrax,” in May 2024, after discovering Castro was collecting debts in his name without permission. Additionally, three individuals involved in the theft of a fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine shipment in November 2023 in Tijuana, Baja California, were also supposedly executed under his orders.
“Beyond the dangers of his narcotic activities, the defendant directed and ordered numerous violent acts and murders by Sinaloa Cartel members, demonstrating a disregard for human life,” Peace concluded.
On the same day, the United States Embassy in Mexico warned its citizens about the ongoing violence in Sinaloa via the Consulate General in Hermosillo, Sonora. The diplomatic mission reported incidents of car theft, shootings, security operations, roadblocks, burning vehicles, and closed roads near Culiacán.
“Schools in Culiacán, Cosalá, Elota, and San Ignacio are closed until September 13, and public Independence Day events in Culiacán have been canceled. U.S. citizens throughout Sinaloa should remain alert for potential violence,” advised the U.S. Embassy.
For those in Sinaloa, the Embassy suggested staying vigilant, maintaining a low profile, following local media updates, adhering to authorities’ instructions, and dialing 911 in emergencies.
“The U.S. Consulate General reminds U.S. citizens that Sinaloa is classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel in the State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico. Those needing emergency services should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the advisory reinforced.
—
#### Secondary Article: Violence Surge in Sinaloa Prompts U.S. Travel Advisory
**By TJ Gringo Staff | September 12, 2024**
In an alert issued through the Consulate General in Hermosillo, the United States Embassy in Mexico has warned its citizens about a spike in violence in Sinaloa. The advisory came in response to incidents including car theft, shootings, security operations, and roadblocks near Culiacán. Following these events, schools in various areas, including Culiacán, Cosalá, Elota, and San Ignacio, have shut down until September 13. Public Independence Day celebrations in Culiacán were also canceled.
“U.S. citizens in Sinaloa should remain cautious and aware of their surroundings, keeping a low profile and staying updated with local news,” the advisory suggested. It also emphasized the importance of following instructions from local authorities and calling 911 in case of any emergencies.
The U.S. Embassy reiterated that Sinaloa is designated Level 4: Do Not Travel, warning that the area is highly dangerous due to ongoing gang violence and crime.
For further assistance, U.S. citizens in need of emergency services are urged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.