El Mencho’s Right-Hand Man ‘El Tuli’ Killed: CJNG Chaos & Succession

The Jalisco Latest Generation Cartel (CJNG) suffered a double blow on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with the deaths of both its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” and his top lieutenant, Hugo César Macías Ureña, alias “El Tuli” or “El Tulipán.” Macías Ureña, identified as a key financial and logistical operator for the cartel, was killed in a military operation in El Grullo, Jalisco, according to the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).

Authorities described “El Tuli” as one of the closest and most trusted associates of “El Mencho.” He was tasked with coordinating the cartel’s violent response following the death of its leader, ordering roadblocks, vehicle fires, and direct attacks against elements of the National Guard, as well as military and government installations and businesses. The resulting wave of violence included at least 252 roadblocks across 20 states, causing widespread disruption to transportation, school closures, and a significant deployment of security forces.

During a press conference, Secretary of National Defense Ricardo Trevilla Trejo explained that locating Macías Ureña was the result of military intelligence work that pinpointed his location in El Grullo, near Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco. Upon realizing he was surrounded by special forces, “El Tuli” attempted to flee in a vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers, who returned fire and killed him. The military seized a cache of weapons, including both long and short firearms, ammunition, approximately 7.2 million pesos in cash, and 965,000 US dollars at the scene.

Trevilla Trejo further stated that Macías Ureña had offered a reward of up to 20,000 pesos for each soldier killed, as a tactic to encourage attacks against federal forces deployed in Jalisco. Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch added that from El Grullo, “El Tuli” coordinated the roadblocks, vehicle fires, and attacks on military installations, the National Guard, and public buildings.

Intelligence reports and testimonies from captured sicarios identify “El Tuli” as a key figure within the CJNG’s inner circle, a confidant of “El Mencho.” His close relationship with the cartel leader was even referenced in a narcocorrido titled “El Tulipán,” performed by Martín Castillo, where he is described as a trusted “compadre” and referred to by the alias “el 5.”

According to Milenio, Macías Ureña led shock troops with direct influence over the cartel’s territorial operations, particularly during its expansion in western Mexico. While not officially designated as a successor to “El Mencho,” he assumed operational control following the leader’s death. His prior association with operators like Juan Francisco Aguilar Santana, alias “Juan Pistolas,” further establishes his position as a regional commander with direct ties to the cartel’s central structure.