Inside the Bloody Power Struggle Tearing Apart Mexico's Most Notorious Drug Cartel

A brutal internal struggle is ripping apart the notorious Sinaloa Cartel as two factions, led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and Zambada Sicairos, clash for control of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization. The sons of "El Chapo," known as "Los Chapitos," are battling "La Mayiza," a group loyal to El Mayito Flaco, in a violent turf war that has seen bloodshed soar across Sinaloa.

This escalating feud is creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, as entire towns are being plunged into chaos. One name that has come to the forefront during this ongoing battle is that of the Ontiveros brothers, a shadowy group of independent financial operators who have reportedly aligned themselves with Los Chapitos.

Who Are the Ontiveros Brothers?

The Ontiveros brothers—Joel, Juan Carlos, Jacinto, Javier, Jesús Manuel, and Ramón—are believed to play a crucial role in the factional war, supporting Los Chapitos. According to journalist Vivienne Hearst, a specialist in reporting on Mexico's cartels, the brothers act as independent financial operators within the Sinaloa Cartel, wielding significant influence.

Among the six brothers, Joel Ontiveros Álvarez, also known as "El J3," has gained notoriety. According to Hearst's detailed investigation, Joel is believed to control the critical Cruz de Elota plaza in Sinaloa. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reportedly on the lookout for several of the Ontiveros brothers, raising questions about their influence and reach beyond Mexican borders.

Joel, alias "El J3," has emerged as one of the most prominent figures within this complex web of cartel politics. His control over the Cruz de Elota plaza gives him a powerful advantage, making him a key asset to Los Chapitos. The plaza, a strategic hub for drug trafficking and illicit financial operations, is seen as a lucrative point of control in the broader cartel battle.

Despite growing scrutiny, including by the DEA, Joel remains elusive. Reports suggest that he has managed to maintain a relatively low profile, making him a difficult target for law enforcement. But even as he operates from the shadows, Joel’s name is becoming synonymous with the growing violence that has gripped Sinaloa.

In addition to Joel, his brothers—Juan Carlos, Jacinto, Javier (known as "El Javi"), Jesús Manuel, and Ramón—are also in the DEA’s crosshairs. Their involvement in the cartel’s operations has placed them firmly on the radar of both U.S. and Mexican authorities. Despite international efforts to capture them, the brothers remain at large, their exact whereabouts unknown.

Unofficial reports suggest that one of the Ontiveros brothers was recently apprehended during an operation in Elota on October 8, though authorities have yet to confirm the arrest. Speculation is rampant as to which of the brothers may have been detained, and what this could mean for the balance of power within Los Chapitos' camp.

La Chapiza vs. La Mayiza

The feud between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza has sparked a new wave of cartel violence in Sinaloa. Known as "La Chapiza" and "La Mayiza" respectively, the two factions have been waging a bloody war for dominance, with each side seeking to consolidate their control over the cartel’s vast empire.

Journalist Anabel Hernández, known for her in-depth investigations into cartel operations, has emphasized the extent to which Los Chapitos have built an extensive network of allies to strengthen their position. Among their key collaborators are figures like Óscar Noé Medina, alias "El Panu," and Jorge Humberto Figueroa, alias "El 27," both powerful operators who have joined forces with the Ontiveros brothers in support of Los Chapitos.

Hernández, in her popular podcast "Narcosistema," has shed light on how these alliances are shaping the conflict, revealing the intricate and violent nature of cartel politics. Los Chapitos, with the help of groups like the Ontiveros, are pushing back hard against La Mayiza, creating a deadly tug-of-war for control of territories and drug routes.

The turf war is not just a power struggle; it’s an unrelenting wave of violence that is tearing apart communities in Sinaloa. According to official reports from the State Council of Public Security of Sinaloa, the period from September 9 to October 8 saw 192 intentional homicides, 224 forced disappearances, and the displacement of nearly 200 families. These chilling figures are a stark reminder of the human toll this cartel war is taking.

Entire towns are being caught in the crossfire, with families forced to flee their homes as gun battles and kidnappings become daily occurrences. The violence has not spared even the most rural areas of the state, as cartel factions jostle for control of key territories.

The insecurity has led to widespread fear among residents, many of whom feel trapped between the rival factions. While government officials are urging calm, the reality on the ground is grim. The Secretariat of Public Security of Sinaloa has assured the public that they are actively working to regain control of the situation in places like Culiacán, but confidence in the authorities remains low.

Authorities Struggle to Contain the Chaos

Despite assurances from the government, the question remains: Can the authorities truly get a handle on the violence? Cartel-related violence is nothing new to Sinaloa, but the current wave is among the most severe in recent years. The clashes between La Chapiza and La Mayiza have intensified to a point where even military intervention has done little to calm the situation.

Many residents feel abandoned by the state, as cartel violence rages unchecked. The government’s ability to regain control in hotspots like Culiacán is being tested, and while officials continue to issue public statements of reassurance, the people of Sinaloa are losing faith that the violence will end any time soon.

As the power struggle between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza intensifies, there seems to be no end in sight for the violence tearing through Sinaloa. The Ontiveros brothers, with their ties to Los Chapitos, are just one piece of a much larger puzzle, but their role as financial operators makes them a critical asset in this ongoing war.

With entire towns now living under the constant threat of violence, and the DEA intensifying its efforts to capture key cartel figures, the question remains whether peace can ever return to the region. For now, Sinaloa is in the grip of fear, as families continue to flee and the death toll rises. As long as the factions of the Sinaloa Cartel continue to fight for supremacy, the bloodshed seems likely to continue.