El Mencho Killed: Chaos Erupts in Mexico Following Cartel Leader’s Death
One of Mexico’s most notorious drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military raid on Sunday, February 22, 2026, sparking widespread retaliatory violence across the country. The death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) represents a significant blow to Mexico’s criminal landscape, but has simultaneously triggered a wave of unrest and disruption.
Mounting Pressure and US Intelligence Support
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has faced increasing pressure from the United States to intensify efforts against drug cartels responsible for the production and smuggling of drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the US. NBC News reports that the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the United States provided intelligence support for the operation. Leavitt stated the Trump administration “commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”
Widespread Retaliation and Disruption
Following reports of El Mencho’s death, cartel members blockaded highways with burning vehicles and torched businesses in over a dozen Mexican states, paralyzing parts of the country. In Jalisco’s popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, tourists described a “war zone” as smoke rose from around the bay. Schools were canceled Monday in several states as a precaution.
From Police Officer to Cartel Kingpin
Oseguera, a former police officer, founded and oversaw the rapid rise of the CJNG, named after the western state of Jalisco. RNZ reports that in recent years, CJNG has turn into one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels, known for violent tactics including forced labor and recruitment. Under El Mencho’s leadership, the cartel diversified its criminal enterprise, expanding from drug trafficking to fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling, and financial fraud.
The Operation and Casualties
Oseguera, 59, was wounded in a clash with soldiers in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died while being flown to Mexico City, according to the Mexican Defense Department. Hindustan Times reports that during the operation, four cartel members were killed at the scene, and three others, including Oseguera, died later from their injuries. Two individuals were likewise arrested, and authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons.
US Response and Travel Warnings
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called El Mencho’s death a “great development” for the US, Mexico, and Latin America. But, the violence following the operation prompted the US State Department to urge American citizens in parts of Mexico to shelter in place. Roadblocks impacted airline operations, leading to flight cancellations in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. NDTV reports that several US and Canadian airlines, including United, American, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet/Sunwing, cancelled flights to affected areas.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Continued Violence
Security experts anticipate that El Mencho’s death will likely fracture CJNG leadership and trigger infighting within the cartel. Carlos Olivo, a former US Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge and an expert in CJNG, stated, “There will definitely be skirmishes between the various factions, and these spasms of violence could last for years.” President Sheinbaum has stressed the need for continued cooperation with the US while upholding Mexico’s sovereignty.