Second Mexican judge approves extradition of “El Chapo” Guzman

A second Mexican judge has ruled that the extradition of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman to the United States can go forward.

The process still awaits approval of Mexico’s foreign ministry. The judge’s decision announced by the courts Monday was on an extradition request from a federal court in Texas.

Last week, another judge made the same determination on a separate extradition request from a federal court in California.

The second decision starts another 20-day period during which the foreign affairs ministry can decide to allow the extradition.

If it approves the extradition, Guzman’s lawyers have the ability to appeal, making it possible that the extradition of the leader of the Sinaloa cartel could still be months away.