Authorities Kill El Mencho, Mexico Cartel Leader
NEMESIO RUBEN OSEGUERA CERVANTES
Cartel Head Killed By Authorities in Mexico.
By SyndicatedNews Mexico | SNN.BZ
Mexico City, February 23, 2026 — Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation on February 22, 2026, in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. The operation led to reports of retaliatory actions, including road blockades with burning vehicles, in multiple states.
According to the Mexican Secretariat of National Defence, Oseguera Cervantes, aged 59, was wounded in clashes during the operation in Tapalpa, a town approximately two hours southwest of Guadalajara. He died while being transported by air to Mexico City for medical treatment. Four CJNG members were killed at the site of the operation. Additional individuals associated with the cartel died during transfer to Mexico City, and two others were arrested. Authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons. Three members of the Mexican armed forces were injured and received medical treatment.
The United States provided intelligence support for the operation, according to statements from the White House and Mexican officials. The US State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Oseguera Cervantes’ arrest or conviction. Oseguera Cervantes, originally from Aguililla, Michoacán, had a background that included prior work as a police officer before entering criminal organizations. He co-founded the CJNG around 2011 after a split from another group. The cartel is involved in the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other substances into the United States and has operated in multiple Mexican states.
In the hours after the announcement of the death, authorities reported more than 250 road blockades established across 20 Mexican states, many involving vehicles and buses set on fire. States affected included Jalisco (with 65 blockades reported initially, including in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Zapopan), Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, and Tamaulipas. Incidents of arson at businesses and attacks on approximately 20 bank branches were also reported in some areas. Plumes of smoke were visible over Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a Code Red alert in the state, suspended public transportation, canceled in-person classes and mass events, and urged residents to remain indoors during critical hours. Schools were canceled on February 23 in several states. Airlines including Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Aeromexico canceled or suspended flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Public transportation was halted in parts of Jalisco, and some tourists were advised to shelter in place.
The US State Department advised American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to shelter in place and avoid travel to affected areas. Similar advisories were issued by the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom.
The Mexican Security Cabinet reported that most blockades had been cleared by early February 23, with only a small number remaining active. Authorities stated that 25 individuals were arrested in connection with the incidents, including 11 for violent acts and 14 for looting or pillaging. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that there was absolute coordination between federal and state authorities and that activities were proceeding normally in most parts of the country.
Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato reported at least 14 deaths linked to clashes during the unrest, including seven National Guard members.
Oseguera Cervantes’ family members, including a son and a daughter, are currently incarcerated on related charges. The CJNG has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.
As of February 23, 2026, Mexican authorities continued monitoring the situation, with operations underway to maintain order in affected regions. Details continue to develop based on official updates.
