Key Facts

• El Chapo was extradited from Mexico to the U.S. in 2017 after escaping twice from Mexican prisons.
• He is serving a life sentence in a high-security prison in Colorado on charges including drug trafficking and money laundering.
• Guzman wrote letters asking U.S. courts to allow him to return to Mexico, though it is unclear if he wants to serve his sentence there.
• He claims his trial was unfair and his punishment "cruel."
• Guzman has waited three years for an appeal and cited U.S. constitutional rights in his requests.
• He has complained about prison isolation, poor cell conditions, and lack of family visits.
• The Colorado prison is very secure and houses other high-profile criminals.
• Recently, some of El Chapo’s brother’s allies were captured in an operation supported by U.S. intelligence.