A fugitive cartel commander accused of coordinating drug shipments and violence in Mexico died in a military operation on Friday.

Jorge Humberto “El Perris” Figueroa, a top member of the Sinaloa Cartel’s “El Chapitos” wing linked to Ovidio Guzman Lopez, was killed on May 23, 2025, in a violent shootout with Mexican military forces during an operation aimed at capturing him for narcotics trafficking charges, as the New York Post reports.

Figueroa, who was a long-standing operative within the faction aligned with Guzman Lopez, the son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman- had been the subject of a $1 million reward from the U.S. government. American authorities were actively seeking his arrest over his alleged involvement in the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States.

The confrontation took place in Sinaloa, a northwestern state and long-standing stronghold for the Sinaloa Cartel. Mexican Secretary of State Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed in a statement that troops attempted to detain Figueroa as part of an ongoing peace initiative.

Cartel figure linked to 2019 violence

“This person is identified as one of the main orchestrators of the attacks on authorities in 2019 in Culiacán, in addition to being related to homicides and kidnappings that affected the peace and tranquility of Sinaloa society,” Garcia Harfuch said in his remarks following the confrontation.

The October 2019 incident Garcia Harfuch referred to marked one of the most violent episodes in Mexico’s recent memory. After Mexican security forces briefly detained Ovidio Guzman Lopez in Culiacán, cartel gunmen launched a brutal assault across the city to force his release. They used military-style assault rifles, hijacked vehicles, and even blocked roads to outmaneuver government troops.

Under heavy pressure and to prevent mass civilian casualties, the government released Guzman Lopez within hours. That controversial decision drew both domestic and international scrutiny and highlighted the state’s struggles to confront heavily armed cartels.

Connection to El Chapo’s lineage shaped cartel loyalty

Figueroa established himself as a reliable enforcer for the faction known as “Los Chapitos,” which has remained loyal to El Chapo’s family. The group continued to operate independently from other segments of the cartel following the kingpin’s arrest and imprisonment.

Following El Chapo’s 2019 life sentencing in the U.S., his sons, including Ovidio, took on greater leadership roles. Figueroa was among those who reportedly helped maintain control over Sinaloa’s western territories and played a central role in ongoing drug distribution efforts.

His trafficking operations included fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually in the U.S. Prosecutors suspected that Figueroa’s faction managed key supply routes for moving the drug across the border.

Path to extradition unfolds

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was rearrested in January 2023 by Mexican forces after a broader international investigation. Unlike the 2019 attempt, this time the detention was held. He was promptly extradited to the U.S. on a slew of charges covering drug smuggling and organized crime activities.

Now serving a life sentence at a supermax federal prison in Colorado, Guzman Lopez recently secured a deal with the U.S. government. The arrangement allowed 17 of his relatives, including his father’s former wife, to enter the United States—an unusual move drawing attention from policymakers and the press alike. Figueroa, on the other hand, remained at large until Mexican security forces cornered him this past Friday during their latest sweep focused on reestablishing control across the Sinaloa region.

Military operation underscores tensions with armed groups

The firefight that led to Figueroa’s death once again revealed the deep-rooted conflict between Mexico’s government and heavily armed cartel factions. These confrontations remain risky, often exposing civilians and officials alike to grave danger.

Authorities said the Friday operation was born out of an intensified strategy aimed at disrupting criminal networks within Sinaloa. While short on operational details, sources confirmed that multiple federal and state forces were involved in locating and confronting Figueroa.

Though additional details about casualties or collateral damage were not released, the death of such a high-value target marks a tactical and symbolic win for law enforcement in Mexico’s ongoing effort against organized drug trafficking.

Lessons to learn

1. Criminal networks often rely on powerful alliances. The connection between Figueroa and Guzman Lopez shows how regional drug lords often gain influence by aligning with familiar and feared names. For community members and visitors, awareness of local criminal dynamics can be critical when navigating high-risk areas.

2. Fentanyl continues to fuel international violence. The reward on Figueroa’s head was a response to his alleged role in flooding the U.S. with fentanyl. Citizens should remain informed about the global consequences of drug demand and the way it feeds directly into violent cartel actions.

3. Even security operations carry risks. Communities in areas like Culiacán have experienced firsthand how military interventions can spiral into violent standoffs. Vigilance and communication can help minimize individuals’ exposure to such conflict zones, though no preventive step guarantees safety.

Why this story matters

The death of Jorge Humberto Figueroa marks a turning point in Mexico’s fight against powerful drug cartels. It represents both progress in targeting key suspects and a reminder of the violent challenges that persist in regions controlled by criminal organizations.

Stories like this explain the complexity of cartel-related violence and demonstrate why international cooperation is vital. They also highlight the struggle faced by law enforcement and how families and entire communities are affected.