Violence erupted across Mexico on Sunday after the death of **Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes**, widely known as **”El Mencho,”** the leader of the **Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)**. Oseguera, who had a **$15 million** bounty on his head, was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. A U.S. defense official confirmed that the **U.S. military** provided support for the operation through the **Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel**, which collaborates closely with the Mexican military.
The official emphasized that the operation was primarily conducted by the Mexican military, stating, “the success is theirs.” Following Oseguera’s death, CJNG affiliates initiated a wave of violence, blocking roads, setting vehicles ablaze, and sending residents into hiding across several states.
The Rise of CJNG
The CJNG, formed in **2009**, has become one of the most notorious and violent drug cartels in Mexico, surpassing even the **Sinaloa Cartel** in terms of power and influence. Oseguera co-founded the cartel alongside **Érick Valencia Salazar**, known as **”El 85,”** who was among 29 cartel leaders apprehended by U.S. authorities last February. According to the **U.S. State Department**, the CJNG currently possesses the “highest cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking capacity in Mexico,” recently expanding operations to include **fentanyl** distribution into the United States.
David Mora, an expert from the **Crisis Group**, described CJNG as “one of the most powerful organizations in Mexico,” citing its military capacity, recruitment ability, and extensive weaponry. Beyond drug trafficking, the cartel has diversified its criminal activities to include extortion, fuel theft, and human trafficking, as reported by the **U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)**.
The CJNG has consistently demonstrated a willingness to confront Mexican authorities. In **2020**, the cartel was implicated in an assassination attempt against **Omar Garcia Harfuch**, the then-police chief of Mexico City. More recently, the murder of **Carlos Manzo**, the mayor of Uruapan and an anti-crime advocate, incited widespread protests and unrest, highlighting the cartel’s influence.
Immediate Aftermath and Future Implications
The violent reaction following Oseguera’s death reveals the extensive reach and power of the CJNG throughout Mexico. Roadblocks and arson incidents were reported in states such as Jalisco, Michoacan, Puebla, and Guanajuato. In response, **Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum** acknowledged the disruptions but reassured the public that “in the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”
The **U.S. State Department** issued a security alert advising American citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco and Tamaulipas, to shelter in place. Rideshare services were suspended in **Puerto Vallarta** as residents sought safety.
Security analyst **Gerardo Rodriguez** noted that while authorities expected a reaction to Oseguera’s death, they did not anticipate the widespread violence that ensued. Oseguera was fatally wounded during the military operation and died en route to a hospital in Mexico City.
As one of the most significant drug lords to be apprehended since the capture of **Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman** and **Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada**, Oseguera’s death raises questions about the future leadership of the CJNG. **Matthew Donahue**, the DEA’s top agent in Mexico, labeled Oseguera as “the number one priority for DEA and frankly for federal law enforcement in the United States.”
The cartel’s future remains uncertain. **Ruben “El Menchito” Oseguera Gonzalez**, Oseguera’s son, was recently convicted on multiple drug trafficking and firearms charges, indicating that the leadership structure within the cartel may be fracturing. Experts warn that without a clear successor, a power vacuum could lead to violent realignments within the organization.
The CJNG operates in at least **21** of Mexico’s **32 states** and has a significant presence in the United States. Its influence is not limited to Mexico; the impact of Oseguera’s absence could resonate globally.
Former DEA Chief of International Operations **Mike Vigil** stated that “El Mencho controlled everything; he was like a country’s dictator.” He emphasized that this moment presents an opportunity for Mexican authorities to launch a “frontal assault based on intelligence” against the CJNG.
As the situation unfolds, both Mexico and the United States face critical challenges in addressing the power dynamics of drug cartels and the potential consequences of Oseguera’s death.
