According to journalist Luis Chaparro, who reported the story on his news program, the group entered through the San Ysidro port of entry (Tijuana) carrying luxury luggage and over \$70,000 in cash. Among those accompanying her were one of El Chapo’s grandsons, a daughter, and a son-in-law.

The entry was reportedly coordinated with FBI agents, although U.S. authorities have not officially confirmed the reasons. Speculation suggests the move may be linked to a plea agreement Ovidio Guzmán is negotiating with the U.S. justice system, which could include the relocation of his family as a protective measure.

🚨#EXCLUSIVA: Griselda López, ex esposa de El Chapo Guzmán y madre de Ovidio Guzmán llegó el pasado viernes por un puente internacional a los Estados Unidos junto a más de 15 miembros de la misma familia.
¡Todos los detalles e imágenes en exclusiva mañana en Pie de Nota! pic.twitter.com/4D8JULA2fn

— Pie de Nota (@Piedenota) May 12, 2025

Griselda López, also known as Karla Pérez Rojo, was El Chapo’s second wife (married in the 1980s) and is the mother of four of his children: Ovidio, Joaquín, Édgar (killed in 2008), and Griselda Guadalupe. Although she has been investigated for money laundering and ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, she has never faced formal charges in Mexico. In 2010, she was briefly detained and released within 24 hours.

En las últimas horas circula un video que muestra a la familia de Ovidio Guzmán López, encabezada por su madre Griselda López Pérez y al menos 15 integrantes más de su círculo cercano de Jesús María, cruzando hacia Estados Unidos.

📍 La grabación habría sido captada en el puente… pic.twitter.com/n35Te4Zy7R

— Culiacanazo.news (@MarcosBedoya) May 12, 2025

Her current relevance stems from her direct connection to Ovidio Guzmán, who was extradited to the U.S. in 2023 and is facing charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. He is expected to plead guilty before an Illinois court on July 9, which could result in a reduced sentence in exchange for information about the cartel.

You might also be interested in its Spanish version: Griselda López, madre de Ovidio Guzmán, ingresa a EE.UU. con lujo y escolta del FBI 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the case during her May 12 press conference, stating that she has no official information but emphasized that the U.S. must notify Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) since the matter involves an extradited individual. She stressed that cooperation between both countries is essential, particularly in cases involving key figures in drug trafficking.

EU debe informar a México sobre Ovidio Guzmán: Sheinbaum

La presidenta @Claudiashein respondió sobre los reportes del ingreso a EU de Griselda López, esposa del ‘Chapo’ y madre del líder de Los Chapitos. “Por haber sido extraditado, EU debe enviar información permanentemente”. pic.twitter.com/81u5npAzpS

— LA OCTAVA (@laoctavadigital) May 12, 2025

The potential plea deal and family relocation represent a new blow to the "Los Chapitos" faction, already weakened after the arrests of Joaquín Guzmán López (Ovidio’s brother) and “El Mayo” Zambada in July 2024. Analysts believe the developments could expose narcopolitical networks and strengthen rival factions within the cartel.

Ovidio Guzmán’s key court hearing is scheduled for July 9, when he is expected to formally enter a guilty plea. Meanwhile, Mexico’s FGR awaits information from the U.S. regarding the legal status of Griselda López and her family.