Peña graduated from Hebbronville High School (Class of 74) and was raised in Hebbronville, Texas, and attended Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville) where he studied sociology and psychology. Peña served as a Deputy Sheriff for Webb County Sheriff’s Office in Laredo from 1976 to 1984 and then continued his service with the DEA until his retirement in January 2014.
In 2019, he published Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar co-authored with Steve Murphy.
He is one of the main characters in the three seasons of Netflix TV series Narcos, in which his character is portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Peña himself worked as a consultant on the show. He makes a cameo appearance in the last episode of Season 2, "Al Fin Cayó!", alongside Murphy.
Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar co-written with Stephen E. Murphy.

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