Huntington Park March In Support For El Chapo Needed Permit Police Say

Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, aka, El Chapo

The Huntington Park Police confirmed no permit had been approved to have a march in support for the Sinaloa Cartel druglord El Chapo.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 2, 2014

Huntington Park, CA - On Saturday, the Huntington Park Police Department posted an advisory that they had learned by social media of an alleged attempt to organize a march in the city by spreading word through Facebook in support for the Sinaloa Cartel druglord Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, 56, aka, El Chapo. The police advisory said, that a march would happen in the afternoon on Saturday, but that "there are no permits for marches or demonstrations issued in Huntington Park."

Police also said, that the department "supports people's first amendment rights, individuals are expected to follow all laws. Huntington Park Police Department enforce all laws and will take enforcement action as necessary." In other words, no permits, no marches or demonstrations, according to police.

The march was supposed to have began around 6:00 p.m. and the police advisory was posted at 4:35 p.m., but word that spread through Facebook about the march in support for El Chapo failed to gain enough support in Huntington Park, according to police. On Sunday, Huntington Park Police posted on their Facebook (FB) account that no pro-or-anti-march for El Chapo ever materialized in the city. The police FB post stated, "No incidences of people gathering to march occurred in response to social media posts."

Ivan Guzmán in his personal Twitter account posted a noticed of the Huntington Park march and posted that his father El Chapo knew of the Sinaloa marches, including the one in Huntington Park being planned. El Chapo sent his gratitude and thanks for the support, according to Ivan. Ivan says, that he is the son of El Chapo, but it hasn't been confirmed.

Last Wednesday in Sinaloa, Mexico, thousands of supporters and those that were paid around $500 pesos ($39 U.S.) marched and rallied in support for El Chapo. Bands played music, tamales, drinks and beer was provided to those participating. Sinaloa state authorities say, that they are investigating who organized the marches.

Also on Wednesday, Mexican federal authorities charged Guzmán Loera with two counts of possessing weapons exclusively used by the military and for organized crime. Each count was filed in several states. Multiple other counts are pending according to the federal Attorney General's Office (PGRF). 

El Chapo was arrested on February 22 in Mazatlán,  Sinaloa after 13 years on the run. The U.S. is seeking extradition for Guzmán Loera for drug trafficking,  conspiracy,  money laundering and murder charges.