Why El Chapo's extradition from Mexico surprised U.S. officials

The U.S. had sought his extradition for two years, and rumors that he might be turned over to American authorities came and went over the summer. Then suddenly Thursday evening Mexican authorities announced that his legal appeals were exhausted and he was on his way aboard a Mexican jet.

Mexico decided to deliver El Chapo — Joaquin Guzman Loera — instead of allowing the U.S. to pick him up and bring him here to face a raft of federal charges. Some US officials said Mexico was eager to get him to the U.S. before the Trump administration took office. That goal was met, with just over 14 hours to spare.