Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” the notorious head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and one of Mexico’s most powerful drug lords, has been killed during a security operation.
The 59-year-old kingpin was seriously injured on Sunday, 22 February, in a clash with Mexican military forces in Tapalpa, a town in the western state of Jalisco. Despite being airlifted by helicopter to Mexico City for urgent medical attention, El Mencho succumbed to his injuries. The United States had previously placed a $150 million reward on his head, reflecting his international notoriety.
The announcement of his death has triggered unprecedented violence in at least six Mexican states. Cartel members responded by burning vehicles and setting up armed roadblocks on major highways in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas.
Authorities are particularly concerned because several FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco. On Sunday night, the city appeared deserted, with social media videos showing terrified residents fleeing through Guadalajara International Airport, while plumes of smoke were reported in the coastal tourist city of Puerto Vallarta. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus urged citizens to remain indoors, temporarily suspended public transport, and closed schools for safety reasons.
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defence confirmed that the operation was conducted based on intelligence provided by U.S. agencies. Four cartel members were killed during the raid, and two others were arrested. Security forces also seized a large cache of vehicles, rocket launchers, and firearms.
President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security forces for the operation and called on the public to remain calm. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the development as a significant step forward for both Mexico and the United States. Nevertheless, for security reasons, the U.S. and Canadian governments have issued travel advisories for certain regions, and several airlines, including Air Canada and U.S. carriers, have cancelled flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Experts warn that El Mencho’s death could create a significant power vacuum in Mexico’s drug trade, potentially escalating violence. Former DEA official Mike Vigil cautioned that eliminating a cartel leader alone does not halt drug trafficking; regional lieutenants may engage in bloody internal conflicts for control, similar to the chaos following the arrest of Sinaloa Cartel founder Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
This emerging security crisis poses a major challenge for the Mexican government, particularly as the nation prepares to host the FIFA World Cup.
Key Facts: El Mencho and the CJNG
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes |
| Alias | El Mencho |
| Age at Death | 59 |
| Organisation | Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) |
| Reward on Head | $150 million (USD) |
| Date of Death | 22 February 2026 |
| Place of Death | Tapalpa, Jalisco; transported to Mexico City |
| Casualties in Operation | 4 cartel members killed, 2 arrested |
| Impact | Violence in 6 states; major highways blocked; flight cancellations |
El Mencho’s demise marks a pivotal moment in Mexico’s ongoing struggle against organised crime, but authorities remain vigilant as the nation braces for potential retaliatory violence.