MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s most wanted fugitive and leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as “El Mencho” — was killed during a military operation to capture him, the country’s defence ministry announced on Sunday.
Authorities said Oseguera, 59, sustained serious injuries during clashes between his supporters and security forces in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state. He later died while being transported to Mexico City. Four suspected CJNG members were killed in the confrontation, and three soldiers were wounded.
The ministry stated that Mexican special forces “planned and executed” the operation with support from the Mexican Air Force and the National Guard. Security personnel seized armoured vehicles and a cache of weapons, including rocket launchers. Officials also confirmed that the United States provided intelligence that helped facilitate the raid.
Cartel Retaliation Sparks Unrest
In the aftermath of Oseguera’s death, CJNG launched coordinated retaliatory attacks across at least eight states. Gunmen set vehicles ablaze, erected roadblocks and engaged security forces in multiple locations.
The United States Department of State issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas and parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León.
Plumes of smoke were seen rising over several cities, including Guadalajara — one of the host cities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. In the coastal resort of Puerto Vallarta, thousands of tourists were reportedly stranded amid the unrest.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to follow a “code red” warning and remain indoors. Authorities suspended public transportation in the state.
Several airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada, cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Guadalajara diverted to Austin, according to flight-tracking data.
Presidential Response
President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm, stating on social media that “in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally.” However, security forces remained on high alert as authorities worked to restore order.
Oseguera, a former police officer, built CJNG into one of Mexico’s most dominant and violent criminal organisations, trafficking large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. The US had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Former US ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau described El Mencho as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,” calling his death a significant development for regional security.
Mike Vigil, former head of international operations at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, characterised the raid as one of the most consequential actions in the history of drug trafficking.
Broader Implications
Oseguera’s killing marks a major victory for Sheinbaum’s administration in its campaign against organised crime. The development may also influence ties with US President Donald Trump, who has previously threatened to target Mexican cartels directly.
Earlier this year, Trump suggested expanding US operations against drug trafficking networks, saying that cartels exert significant influence within Mexico. Sheinbaum rejected the possibility of US troop deployment on Mexican soil, stating that such a move was “not on the table.”
While the removal of CJNG’s leader represents a critical blow to the cartel, analysts warn that sustained violence could overshadow the government’s success if security forces fail to stabilise affected regions quickly.
CJNG’s Reach and the Fentanyl Trade
Founded in 2010 with its power base in Jalisco, CJNG expanded nationwide and emerged as a principal rival to the Sinaloa cartel. US authorities regard it as a major supplier of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, to American markets.
According to US Customs and Border Protection data released in June 2025, authorities seized 9,200 pounds (4,182kg) of fentanyl in the US since October 2024. Nearly 96% of those seizures occurred along the south-west border with Mexico, while less than 1% were intercepted at the northern border with Canada.
Officials continue to monitor the situation as Mexico grapples with the fallout from one of the most significant security operations in recent years.