Mexican security forces killed the leader of one of the country’s most powerful cartels in a military operation on Sunday, according to the Mexican government.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord notoriously known as “El Mencho,” had led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, since the group was created over 15 years ago.
The Mexican Embassy in the United States said in a press release after the operation that Oseguera was one of three cartel members who died after being severely wounded. Four other members died at the scene, and two more were arrested, with cartel weapons and armored vehicles also being seized. Three Mexican security officers were wounded, the embassy said.
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The Mexican Embassy credited U.S. intelligence in the operation, saying “complementary information was provided by U.S. authorities.” Oseguera faced federal charges in the U.S. for drug trafficking offenses related to his illegal business. He was wanted alive by the U.S. for $15 million, with the State Department offering the reward for information leading to his arrest.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the U.S.’s involvement in the operation, saying they provided “intelligence support.” Leavitt also called Oseguera a “top target” of the Trump administration over his fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.
“President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved,” she said in a statement on Sunday night. “The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”
President Donald Trump designated CJNG, along with seven other Latin American cartels and criminal organizations, as foreign terrorist organizations last February and has waged war on drug cartels in his second term, but mostly in South America.
He has, however, previously considered military intervention, including drone strikes, to combat cartels in Mexico. Such plans have been consistently rejected by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has instead surged troops to the southern border and increased intelligence sharing with the U.S.
After the security operation was carried out in the western state of Jalisco, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico advised U.S. citizens to “shelter in place until further notice.” That shelter-in-place order has since expanded to eight other Mexican states, including as far east as Quintana Roo, known for its touristy cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Sheinbaum has urged the public to “remain informed and calm,” saying there is currently “absolute coordination” with the governments of these states. She added that throughout most of Mexico, “activities are proceeding with complete normality.”
The scene in Jalisco and nearby states on Sunday was marked by violence. Cartels burned buses and vehicles, blocked roads, and clashed with security services. Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro activated the state’s “red code” in response to protect civilians. By Sunday night, Navarro said order was “gradually” being restored and that Jalisco government offices would be open as usual Monday.
In its most recent update, the Mexican Security Cabinet said four road blockades in Jalisco remain uncleared.
“The efforts continue uninterrupted until the total liberation of the roadways, with coordinated operations by the Security Cabinet and authorities from all three levels of government, whose priority is to protect the population,” it said in an X post.
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There had also been reports of gunfire at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco, but the Mexican Security Cabinet said all airports in the state were “operating normally” and “no relevant incidents” were recorded at the facilities.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico said that while airports remain open, the roadblocks resulted in both domestic and international flight cancellations in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, near where Oseguera was targeted and killed. Taxi and ride hailing services are also suspended in Puerto Vallarta.
