Brian A. Benczkowski, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, called Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's sentencing "a measure of justice" for the US and Mexico.

“Today brings a measure of justice for the American people, it brings a measure of justice for the country of Mexico," he said at a news conference after the sentencing.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, also spoke:

"This sentence is significant and it is well deserved. It means that never again will Guzman pour poison over our borders, making billions, while innocent lives are lost to drug violence and drug addiction"

Donoghue had a warning for other would-be drug lords.

“The same fate awaits anyone who would seek to take his place," he said.