Emma Coronel Shares Rare Photo from El Chapo’s 2016 Capture Era

Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has shared a rare photo from 2016 on her Instagram account. This image captures a moment during the time of Guzmán’s capture, offering a glimpse into a significant year in both her life and the world of organized crime in Mexico.

Emma Coronel Reflects on 2016

The photo shared on social media shows Emma alongside her sister, Claudia Coronel Aispuro. Both women are dressed elegantly and smiling, reminiscent of a more normal time before the turbulent events that followed.

2016 marked a pivotal moment for Coronel and Guzmán. With the start of the year, Mexican federal forces executed Operation Black Swan in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, on January 8. This operation led to Guzmán’s re-capture after he had escaped from prison just six months earlier. The event symbolized a definitive separation for the couple and initiated a long-winded legal battle.

Significant Events in 2016

• January 8, 2016: Joaquín Guzmán is captured during Operation Black Swan.
• December 2015: Emma’s last memory of Guzmán before his capture was a family dinner.

In a documentary titled “Married to El Chapo: Emma Coronel Speaks,” she recounted the emotional turmoil she experienced upon learning about Guzmán’s re-capture through the news media. Coronel described the range of emotions she felt: sadness, stress, anger, and concern.

Life After Guzmán’s Capture

Following Guzmán’s extradition to the United States in 2017, he received a life sentence in a maximum-security prison. Emma faced her own legal issues, being arrested and sentenced in 2021 for drug trafficking and money laundering. She is now focusing on rebuilding her life.

In recent times, Coronel has ventured into modeling and social media. Her participation in the 2024 Milan Fashion Week and other creative projects signals her desire to move forward. However, the shadows of her past and her family’s ongoing legal troubles remain prevalent.

Current Family Legal Issues

• In May 2025, Emma’s father and brother received provisional suspension from extradition to the U.S.
• On January 15, 2026, a major operation linked to her brother’s alleged criminal activities uncovered a chemical lab in Guerrero.

Authorities reported the seizure of significant quantities of precursor chemicals, vehicles, and equipment tied to the narcotics trade. Though Emma has not publicly commented on these developments, their impact on her family is palpable.

As she continues to promote her image on social media, her priorities remain focused on providing a stable environment for her twin daughters, María Joaquina and Emaly Guadalupe.

Emma Coronel’s journey highlights the complex interplay of personal and public life, especially when entwined with the notorious legacy of Joaquín Guzmán. Her rare 2016 photo serves as a poignant reminder of the life changes that have unfolded since then.