Background on Dámaso López Serrano
Dámaso López Serrano, known as “El Mini Lic,” is the son of Dámaso López Núñez, alias “El Licenciado.” He was a key operator for Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and led a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. López Serrano turned himself in to US authorities in 2017 and, according to recent reports, has reportedly reached a cooperation agreement.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s Criticism
On Thursday, May 29, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, publicly questioned the US government after learning about López Serrano’s alleged cooperation agreement. She stated, “The US government issued a decree recently labeling certain organized crime groups as terrorists. They have repeatedly stated that they do not negotiate with these organizations, so they need to explain why such agreements are reached in these cases.”
Mexico’s Stance on Extradition and Cooperation
Sheinbaum emphasized that her government continues to request extradition. “We will insist on the extradition of those we have requested,” she affirmed, highlighting that Mexico cooperates daily with the US on security matters but requires reciprocity and transparency in decisions of this nature.
Defense of Mexico’s Anti-Crime Efforts
The President also defended the Mexican state’s work in combating organized crime. “We strive for peace and security in the country, working alongside the Federal Attorney General’s Office to make arrests, conduct investigations, and gather intelligence,” she assured. “We do not want violence associated with organized crime.”
Context on Javier Valdez’s Murder
In December 2023, Alejandro Gertz Manero, Mexico’s Attorney General, revealed that López Serrano was considered the intellectual author of journalist Javier Valdez’s murder in 2017 by the Mexican government.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Dámaso López Serrano? Dámaso López Serrano, known as “El Mini Lic,” is the son of Dámaso López Núñez, alias “El Licenciado.” He was a significant operator for Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and led a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
- What is the controversy? Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico City, questioned the US government after learning about López Serrano’s alleged cooperation agreement, which contradicts the US’s stance on not negotiating with organized crime groups.
- What is Mexico’s position? Mexico continues to request the extradition of individuals they have targeted and emphasizes the need for reciprocity and transparency in security cooperation with the US.
- What is López Serrano’s connection to Javier Valdez’s murder? According to Mexico’s Attorney General, Alejandro Gertz Manero, López Serrano was considered the intellectual author of journalist Javier Valdez’s murder in 2017.
