Culiacán, Sinaloa, March 23, 2026. Warning of the risk of being killed or subjected to another illegal detention, acts of torture, enforced disappearance, and incommunicado detention, Mónica del Rosario Zambada Niebla, daughter of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the alleged co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, filed for federal protection against the Mexican Navy and the Attorney General’s Office.
Based on this, the personnel who participated in the El Álamo operation would be obligated to submit the corresponding report to the Fourth District Court, located in Culiacán.
As will be recalled, on March 19, members of the Mexican Navy and the state unit of the Secretariat of Public Security and Citizen Protection (SSPYPC) carried out an operation in the community of El Álamo, in the municipality of El Salado, Sinaloa.
During that operation, Mónica del Rosario Zambada Niebla was arrested without a warrant, and nearby, in the town of Valle Escondido, in the Quilá district, Omar Oswaldo Torres Cabada, nicknamed “El Patas” or “El Trono,” the alleged head of La Mayiza’s security detail, was captured. Torres Cabada had an outstanding arrest warrant in San Diego, California.
That same morning, in the same town, federal agents killed 11 alleged gunmen during a shootout, according to reports.
Residents of El Álamo claimed on social media that Mónica Zambada was arrested by federal forces at her family’s ranch.
She and her youngest daughter were then taken by helicopter to an unknown location, and approximately two hours later, they were returned to the community. Regarding this, Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch clarified that the woman “was not arrested,” but rather “detained” “for her protection,” and returned to her place of origin after no arrest warrant, extradition order, or connection to other crimes was found against her.
Unofficially, it was reported that on the same day, and as a result of the events, Zambada Niebla sought legal protection from the federal courts against a possible new action by the Navy and the SSyPC (Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection).
In the injunction 347/2026 filed with the Fourth District Court, Mónica Zambada warns of an “imminent risk” of being killed, “exiled,” or “deported,” as well as possible illegal actions by federal forces.
In the legal appeal, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s daughter also requests federal protection against possible arrest without a warrant and other alleged human rights violations, such as enforced disappearance, incommunicado detention, and acts of torture by the Navy and the State Police (SSYPC).
Regarding the operation carried out on February 19 in the community of El Álamo, the Secretary of Public Security, Omar García Harfuch, stated that Mónica Zambada had to be released because there was no arrest warrant against her.
However, he recalled that in 2007, Zambada Niebla was included on a list of approximately 300 individuals and/or entities that the U.S. Treasury Department links to possible money laundering networks based on the operation of various companies; however, to date, this allegation has not been substantiated.
Meanwhile, relatives of the alleged hitmen killed by the Navy, when the operation extended to the town of Valle Escondido, reiterated their demand for an investigation into the events.
Juana N. and Rosario M. reiterated their accusation: “The Navy killed them.”
They acknowledged that even though several of the victims were criminals working for a criminal group, they surrendered and asked for help when the Navy convoy arrived.
However, they were taken to a warehouse in the area and riddled with bullets.
Given this situation, the complainants have been going to the Human Rights Commission to file a complaint so that the events are investigated and justice is served for the eleven alleged gunmen killed: Adolfo N., 52 years old, from Eldorado; José Manuel N., 27 years old; Diego N., 34; Juan N., 32; Carlos Eleobardo N.; and Jaziel Carlos N. Jaziel Alan N; Carlos Emanuel N; Jesús Rafael, also referred to as Jesús Daniel N; Pedro de Jesús N, 26 years old; as well as Ian Jared N, 16 years old.
Source: losdeapienoticias
