Arrest Details and Findings
On the morning of August 17, 2025, elements of the Guardia Estatal de Tamaulipas apprehended Ezequiel Cárdenas Rivera, also known as “Tormenta Junior,” in the Villa Española neighborhood of Matamoros. The arrest occurred at approximately 12:55 AM near an Oxxo store following a surveillance operation that detected Cárdenas Rivera driving under the influence.
During the traffic stop, officers found a short firearm, a magazine, and five bullets in Cárdenas Rivera’s vehicle. Both the suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Ministry of Public Prosecution at the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) for further investigation.
According to the official report, Cárdenas Rivera is described as approximately 1.85 meters tall, with a robust build, fair complexion, black hair, and a beard. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing green shorts, a matching top, and white sneakers.
Background on the Father: Who was “Tony Tormenta”?
Antonio Ezequiel Cárdenas Guillén, known as “Tony Tormenta,” was born in Matamoros in 1962 and became one of the most visible leaders of the Cártel del Golfo, a criminal organization linked to drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking. After his brother Osiel’s capture in 2003, Antonio took control of the cartel.
On November 5, 2010, marines located and engaged in a prolonged firefight with Cárdenas Guillén in Matamoros’ Centro neighborhood. The confrontation resulted in his death, along with four of his bodyguards and three marines.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ezequiel Cárdenas Rivera? Ezequiel Cárdenas Rivera is the son of Antonio Ezequiel Cárdenas Guillén, also known as “Tony Tormenta,” a former leader of the Cártel del Golfo.
- Why was Ezequiel Cárdenas Rivera arrested? He was detained for driving under the influence (DUI) and possessing illegal weapons, including a short firearm, a magazine, and five bullets.
- Who was “Tony Tormenta”? Antonio Ezequiel Cárdenas Guillén, also known as “Tony Tormenta,” was a prominent leader of the Cártel del Golfo, involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking. He took control of the cartel after his brother’s arrest in 2003.
- What is the significance of this arrest? The arrest of Ezequiel Cárdenas Rivera, the son of a notorious cartel leader, may have implications for the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the region.
