According to reports, La Morsa and Aureliano "El Guano" Guzmán form part of a group that is protected by former public servants

Federal prosecutors alleged Ronaldo Ayala, reputed to be a powerful member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, conspired with the Sinaloa cartel and offered to protect its notorious former leader, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.

The new defense secretary faced intense questioning about past drinking habits during his Senate confirmation hearing.