Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the most-wanted drug trafficker and leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, has been killed in a recent operation. This event marks a significant blow to drug trafficking in Mexico and is being hailed as the most substantial achievement in just over a year for the new security strategy under the government of Claudia Sheinbaum and her Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, following years of the “Hugs, not bullets” approach of the previous administration.
A Shift in Strategy
The Sheinbaum administration’s security strategy, led by García Harfuch, represents a noticeable departure from that of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. During his term, the policy of “Hugs, not bullets” – a non-confrontational approach to criminal groups – was adopted. While there were some major captures during that period, including Ovidio Guzmán El Ratón, Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas El Nini 09 and Caro Quintero, the overall perception was one of laissez faire towards the cartels.
The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación is currently considered the most powerful criminal organization in Mexico, particularly following internal conflict and the weakening of the Sinaloa Cartel. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) describes it as one of the most powerful, influential, and ruthless criminal organizations.
What’s Next?
The death of El Mencho, after decades of evading authorities, is expected to trigger shifts within the criminal landscape. The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación will now enter a period of succession, and disputes over leadership could escalate into violence. Competitors may also attempt to exploit the organization’s perceived weakness to gain territory.
Potential successors include Juan Carlos Valencia González, El Mencho’s stepson, as well as Audias Flores Silva, el Jardinero, Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, el Sapo, and Ricardo Ruiz Velao, el Doble R. Rubén Oseguera González, alias El Menchito, is currently serving a life sentence in the United States.
Erubiel Tirado, coordinator of the National Security and Democracy Program at the Iberoamerican University City of Mexico, stated that the difference between the current and previous strategies is “action.” He noted an evident effort to target criminal leadership, and a shift away from the “hugs, not bullets” approach.
President Sheinbaum intends to address the root causes of violence, while also emphasizing intelligence and investigation, mirroring the strategy she employed as Head of Government of Mexico City from 2019 to 2023, again with García Harfuch. To date, this approach has resulted in record drug seizures and arrests. García Harfuch reports over 40,000 arrests for high-impact crimes during the current administration. The “Northern Border Operation,” launched a year ago, regularly publishes data on detentions, seized weapons, and confiscated drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the previous administration’s approach to combating cartels?
The previous administration, under Andrés Manuel López Obrador, adopted a strategy known as “Hugs, not bullets,” which emphasized a non-confrontational approach to criminal groups.
What is the DEA’s assessment of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación as one of the most powerful, influential, and ruthless criminal organizations.
What could happen now that El Mencho has been killed?
The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación will likely enter a period of succession, and disputes over leadership could escalate into violence. Competitors may also attempt to exploit the organization’s perceived weakness to gain territory.
As Mexico prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will these security measures be enough to ensure stability and safety?
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