Long-elusive Mexican drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada pleads guilty in U.S.

"El Mayo" Zambada speaks to Judge Brian Cogan (not pictured) in Brooklyn federal court, as his defense attorney Frank Perez looks on, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in New York.

Former Mexican cartel kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty Monday to U.S. drug trafficking charges.

(Image credit: Jane Rosenberg)