Mexican Army forces, with aid from the US Government, planned an operation and killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho” in late February 2026. Cervantes’ killing has created widespread violence across Mexico.
El Mencho led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug cartels. He was a major supplier of fentanyl and methamphetamine to the United States. Authorities identified him as a priority target.
Following his death, chaos fell over Jalisco, Mexico and surrounding states. The remaining cartel members retaliated against the killing of their leader. They set vehicles and buildings on fire, created roadblocks, and took part in armed fights. The violence disrupted travel and daily life for locals and tourists in these cities.
In response to the unrest, authorities issued a temporary shelter-in-place. All flights to and from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports were cancelled. According to Eva Chen of USA Today, “Shelter in place orders have been lifted in the cities where they had remained,” and flights have been rescheduled under certain travel advisories. Chen also stated that US citizens on vacation in these locations reached out to the US State Department for help to get them back home.
However, this may not be the end of violence in Mexico. The death of a cartel leader could potentially cause more instability. Nina Kravinsky of KJZZ reported, “Mexico is watching for the possibility of more violence, as lower-level leaders of one of the country’s most brutal cartels could start to jockey for power.” Kravinsky also added that officials are unsure if there will be a decline in drug trafficking from Mexico into the United States.
Authorities have confirmed Oseguera Cervantes’ death, and his body has been returned to his relatives. According to Lizbeth Diaz of Reuters, she wrote, “Attorney General’s office said that they performed genetic tests to match the remains…” He was buried in Jalisco with heavy security to prevent possible unrest or the spread of rumors.
Cartel activity is still being monitored, and heightened security is in place across the country. Daily life has begun to return to normal, but authorities remain on high alert for more conflicts that may arise.
El Mencho led the cartel for over a decade. During his reign, the group became known for its rapid expansion and extreme violence. Investigators watch for signs of a successor.
Featured image credits: Armando Solis of WTTW