GUADALAJARA, México (AP) — Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in a confrontation with the military in western Mexico. This represents the most significant blow to Mexico’s most powerful cartel to date and provides the government with a key achievement to demonstrate to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The operation triggered a wave of violence across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, including arson and looting of businesses, banks, and vehicles, as well as 252 road blockades, many of which were later lifted. Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato reported at least 14 deaths – including seven members of the National Guard – and 64 detentions.
The 59-year-old cartel leader was killed during an operation in Jalisco, according to a federal official who spoke anonymously. During the operation, six other members of the organization were also killed, two were detained, and armored vehicles and weaponry, including rocket launchers, were seized. Three soldiers were injured.
The government stated the capture and death of the CJNG leader was achieved through military intelligence work, and in coordination with U.S. Authorities, who provided “complementary” information for the operation.
The U.S. Involvement was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated on X that the United States “provided intelligence support” to the Mexican government in the operation. Leavitt affirmed that “El Mencho” was a priority target for both governments due to his role as a major fentanyl trafficker to the United States. Washington had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Oseguera Cervantes’ capture.
President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated the military and security cabinet, confirming that blockades and other reactions occurred following the operation, but did not provide details. She is coordinating with state governments and urged the public to remain calm. Sheinbaum has previously criticized strategies of directly confronting criminal organizations, but has faced increasing pressure from the Trump administration to demonstrate results in combating drug trafficking.
U.S. Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed on X that the death of “El Mencho,” whom he described as one of the “most ruthless and merciless” capos, represents a “great advance” for Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the world.
Fires and Blockades
The death of “El Mencho” sparked fires at businesses, vehicles, and gas stations, as well as road blockades, in 20 states including Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Authorities in these states and others reinforced security and deployed additional Army and National Guard contingents to Jalisco. In Guanajuato, 35 people were arrested in connection with 74 violent incidents.
In Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus requested residents stay home and suspended public transportation, which was partially restored as some blockades were lifted. He activated a “red code” to prevent acts against the population. Attacks in Jalisco were concentrated in Guadalajara—a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—Chapala, and Puerto Vallarta, where fires broke out and a riot occurred in the local jail.
Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta due to the insecurity, advising customers not to head to the airport. Other airlines followed suit, and authorities recommended tourists remain in their hotels. Following the chaotic day, limited airport staff operated in Guadalajara, with passengers nervously monitoring news and contacting family.
A state official, speaking anonymously, reported that one National Guard member died in Tapalpa, six others in Zapopan, a jail custodian in Puerto Vallarta, and a state prosecutor in Guadalajara during the violence. Thirteen people were arrested for violent acts, and 14 for alleged looting.
The governor of Michoacán, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, stated that state and federal forces were deployed to restore order and clear blockades. Five clashes occurred in Michoacán, resulting in the deaths of four suspected criminals, two arrests, and injuries to three National Guard members. In Guerrero, a National Guard member and a civilian were injured in an attack on the prosecutor’s office in Acapulco.
As a preventative measure, authorities in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Baja California, Querétaro, Colima, and Nayarit, among others, announced the suspension of school activities on Monday.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs advised its citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to seek shelter.
Origins of the CJNG
Oseguera Cervantes was originally from Aguililla, Michoacán. He emigrated to the United States before returning to join the forces of drug trafficker Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, alias “Nacho Coronel.” After Coronel’s death, Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar created the CJNG around 2009.
Initially, the group operated on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel, led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Three years later, the CJNG became independent and began competing for drug trafficking routes with its former allies.
The DEA has recognized that the CJNG has a presence in 21 of Mexico’s 32 states, surpassing the Sinaloa Cartel, which operates in 19 states. Some analysts believe the CJNG’s presence extends to 25 states, with Jalisco considered its stronghold. The cartel’s operations have also expanded to a hundred countries, including the United States, according to the U.S. Drug enforcement agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the immediate reaction to “El Mencho’s” death?
The death of “El Mencho” sparked a wave of violence across 20 states, including fires, looting, and 252 road blockades.
What role did the United States play in the operation?
The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government during the operation, according to the White House Press Secretary.
Where did the CJNG originate?
The CJNG was founded around 2009 by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar, initially operating on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Given the immediate and widespread violence following the death of “El Mencho,” what impact might this have on stability in Mexico in the coming weeks and months?
