Sinaloa Cartel Leader Captured in Mexico, Faces Extradition to US

Humberto ‘El Viejón’ Rivera was arrested after Mexico pledged to ramp up its effort against cross-border drug trafficking.

Mexican National Guard members patrol along the border in Ciudad Juárez in Mexico on Feb. 5, 2025. Christian Chavez/AP

Humberto Rivera, a regional leader of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Cartel, has been captured and will be handed over to the FBI, Mexican authorities said.

César Jáuregui Moreno, attorney general of Chihuahua, on Feb. 17 confirmed that Rivera, nicknamed “El Viejón” (the Elder),  has been transferred to Mexico City, where he awaits extradition proceedings.