On February 22, 2026, Mexican authorities announced the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations. El Mencho was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where he was wounded in a confrontation and later died en route to Mexico City. This operation, described as a joint effort involving Mexican and U.S. intelligence, marks a significant blow to the CJNG, which has been involved in drug trafficking, extortion, fuel theft, and other criminal activities across Mexico and beyond.
However, the killing has triggered immediate and widespread retaliation from the cartel, leading to violent chaos in at least 13 states. Reports indicate that CJNG members have set up roadblocks using burning vehicles, attacked businesses, and even targeted civilians, pulling people from their cars and setting them ablaze in some instances. Cities like Guadalajara and the tourist destination Puerto Vallarta have seen plumes of smoke rising from torched vehicles and infrastructure, with videos showing panicked crowds fleeing areas including airports.