The body of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” has been returned to his family following his death in a military operation in Mexico last week. The announcement was made by Mexico’s attorney general’s office on Saturday, confirming that the remains were identified through genetic testing.
El Mencho was fatally wounded during a confrontation with Mexican security forces in Jalisco and succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Mexico City. At the time of his death, he was a prime target, with a bounty of $15 million USD placed on his head due to his leadership of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The aftermath of El Mencho’s death has triggered a significant surge in violence across Mexico, with dozens of fatalities reported, including the deaths of 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard. Violence attributed to the cartel has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies regarding potential retaliatory actions.
In a statement released by the attorney general’s office, details surrounding the handover of the body were sparse, lacking specific information on the location or the identity of the family members involved. Following the military operation, authorities discovered a crucifix, religious candles, and a handwritten psalm in El Mencho’s residence, indicating the personal and spiritual aspects of his life.
According to sources cited by CBS News, the successful raid that led to El Mencho’s death was the result of increased cooperation between U.S. and Mexican counter-cartel efforts under the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. A defense official noted that a special task force established by the Pentagon under U.S. Northern Command contributed to the intelligence utilized during the operation, although they emphasized that the military action was conducted by Mexican forces.
The Mexican Defense Ministry acknowledged the role played by U.S. authorities in providing complementary information for the operation, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the initiative. As authorities monitor the situation, Homeland Security officials are particularly vigilant regarding potential responses from CJNG’s trafficking and financial networks operating within the United States.
While there are currently no indications of an imminent threat to the U.S. following El Mencho’s death, law enforcement agencies remain alert to possible increases in violence or coercive actions related to drug trafficking within domestic corridors. The CJNG has maintained a robust logistical and distribution network across the U.S., which raises the stakes for future operations against this powerful cartel.
In February 2025, the CJNG was classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Trump administration, underscoring the ongoing challenges presented by such criminal enterprises. The ramifications of El Mencho’s death will likely reverberate through both Mexican and U.S. law enforcement strategies as they adapt to the evolving landscape of cartel activity.
