Mexican drug lord Osiel Cárdenas Guillén has been released from US prison and may be deported

MEXICO CITY — Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, one of Mexico’s most notorious drug lords, has been released from a U.S. prison after serving a significant portion of his 25-year sentence, authorities confirmed on Friday.

A representative from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons reported that Cárdenas Guillén has been released from federal custody and transferred to the care of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This typically indicates that he would be deported to Mexico.

However, a Mexican official, who requested anonymity, revealed that Cárdenas Guillén faces two active arrest warrants in Mexico. This development suggests that he is likely to be detained upon his return to Mexico.

Cárdenas Guillén, the former leader of the Gulf Cartel, is infamous for his extreme violence. He was instrumental in founding the Zetas, a criminal organization known for its ruthless tactics, including the brutal killings of migrants and other innocents.

Sentenced in 2010 to 25 years in prison and ordered to forfeit tens of millions of dollars, it is unclear why he did not serve his entire sentence. Cárdenas Guillén was extradited to the U.S. in January 2007, where he faced multiple charges related to his criminal activities.