Fall of El Mencho: Death of a Kingpin and Chaos

On February 22, 2026, violence erupted across multiple Mexican states following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho. The 60-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was fatally injured during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, according to Mexican authorities.

The operation, carried out in the Sierra Madre region, resulted in his capture. Officials confirmed he later died while being transported to Mexico City for medical treatment.

Within hours of the announcement, coordinated retaliatory violence was reported in at least 19 of Mexico’s 32 states.

Nationwide Retaliation

Authorities reported widespread road blockades, vehicle burnings, and armed confrontations. In Jalisco, more than ten “narco-blockades” were established, paralyzing parts of Guadalajara. Gunfire was reported near Guadalajara International Airport, prompting temporary flight suspensions by several international carriers.

In Michoacán and Puebla, businesses and retail stores were set on fire, and key highways were blocked. Security forces engaged in clashes in Tapalpa and Zapopan, with fatalities reported among members of the National Guard and state security personnel.

Local officials also reported curfews imposed by armed groups in some municipalities. The National Guard confirmed casualties during the operation and subsequent confrontations.

Intelligence Cooperation

Mexican authorities stated that the operation was supported by intelligence cooperation with the United States. US officials acknowledged providing intelligence assistance but emphasized that Mexican forces led the raid.

The development comes amid ongoing bilateral efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking and organized crime operations affecting both countries.

Structure of the CJNG

Founded in the early 2010s, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel expanded rapidly under Oseguera Cervantes’ leadership. Security analysts describe the organization as highly diversified, with operations extending beyond drug trafficking to fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling, and financial crimes.

The cartel has also been linked to control of strategic Pacific and Gulf coast ports, facilitating the import of chemical precursors used in synthetic drug production.

Leadership Uncertainty

With Oseguera Cervantes’ death, attention has shifted to possible successors within the organization. Mexican and US authorities have previously identified several high-ranking figures believed to hold operational or financial roles within the cartel’s structure.

Among those mentioned in past indictments and investigations are Juan Carlos Valencia González, Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, Audias Flores Silva, and Jessica Johanna Oseguera González. Authorities have not confirmed any formal succession.

Security Outlook

Security experts note that past high-profile cartel leader deaths in Mexico have sometimes led to internal fragmentation and increased localized violence. Federal authorities have increased deployments in key regions, particularly in Jalisco and surrounding states, to prevent further escalation.

Guadalajara, one of the affected cities, is scheduled to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, increasing the urgency of stabilization efforts.

Mexican officials have described the operation as a significant step in ongoing anti-cartel efforts. Investigations and security operations remain active as authorities monitor potential shifts within the organization’s leadership structure.