Mexican armed forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during an operation in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday, February 22nd, Mexican officials announced. The death of the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), considered the most powerful criminal organization in Mexico, triggered a wave of violence across at least seven states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas.
Following the announcement, coordinated attacks involving arson and road blockades erupted throughout the country. In Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, vehicles were set ablaze, prompting Governor Pablo Lemus to urge residents to remain indoors and suspend public transportation. Lemus stated on X (formerly Twitter) that a security table had been established with authorities at all levels of government and a “red code” activated to deter attacks against the population. He emphasized the importance of continued coordination with the federal government under President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato reported at least 14 fatalities, including seven members of the National Guard, and 64 arrests, according to the Associated Press, citing Mexican government sources. Images circulated showing burned-out vehicles and vandalized businesses.
The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government during the operation, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She described El Mencho as a “high-priority target” for both countries due to his central role in fentanyl trafficking into the United States. Leavitt confirmed that three other cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were detained during the operation. She similarly noted that the Trump administration had designated the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization last year. “President Trump has been very clear: the United States will ensure that the drug terrorists who send deadly drugs to our homeland are made to face the justice they have long deserved,” Leavitt stated.
Argentina’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement recommending that Argentine citizens “carefully evaluate the necessitate to travel” to Mexico and, if not essential, “postpone travel until the situation stabilizes.” The ministry advised those already in Jalisco to exercise extreme caution, avoid areas with security incidents, stay informed through official sources, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
El Mencho, born Rubén Oseguera Cervantes on July 17, 1966, in Aguililla, Michoacán, rose through the ranks of the CJNG to turn into its leader. The U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. He was described by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.” The CJNG, under his leadership, expanded into a continent-spanning criminal enterprise rivaling the Sinaloa Cartel.
