Violence erupted across Mexico on Sunday following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, 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 Jalisco. A U.S. defense official confirmed that the U.S. military assisted the Mexican military through the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, although they emphasized that the operation was predominantly Mexican.
The news of Oseguera’s death led to an immediate and violent reaction from cartel members. Reports indicated that they blocked roads, set vehicles and businesses ablaze, and instilled fear in local communities, forcing many residents into hiding. The widespread unrest highlights the extensive reach and influence of the CJNG across the country.
Understanding the CJNG’s Rise and Reach
The CJNG was founded in 2009 and has since become one of Mexico’s most notorious drug cartels, surpassing the infamous Sinaloa cartel in violence. Oseguera co-founded the organization with Érick Valencia Salazar, also known as El 85, who was captured by U.S. authorities last February. The U.S. State Department has classified the CJNG as the cartel with the “highest cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking capacity in Mexico,” and in recent years, it has also begun to introduce fentanyl into the U.S. market.
Security expert David Mora from the Crisis Group noted, “It is certainly one of the most powerful organizations in Mexico in terms of military capacity, recruitment capability and weaponry.” The CJNG is not limited to drug trafficking; it has expanded its operations to include extortion, fuel theft, and human trafficking, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The cartel is known for its blatant challenges to the Mexican government. It has released images showcasing its arsenal of weapons and armored vehicles. In a notable incident in 2020, the CJNG was accused of attempting to assassinate Omar Garcia Harfuch, then the police chief of Mexico City. Last year, the cartel was implicated in the murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, leading to significant protests.
The Aftermath of Oseguera’s Death
The violent outbursts that followed Oseguera’s death underscore the cartel’s significant influence in Mexico. Roadblocks and burning vehicles were reported in Jalisco and several other states, including Michoacan and Puebla. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged these disturbances but reassured citizens that “in the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”
The U.S. State Department issued a security alert for American citizens in Mexican states such as Jalisco and Tamaulipas, advising them to shelter in place. Rideshare services in Puerto Vallarta were suspended amid the unrest, reflecting the immediate impacts of the cartel’s reaction.
Security analyst Gerardo Rodriguez indicated that while authorities were prepared for some violence, the scale of the response was unexpected. Oseguera was reportedly wounded during a military confrontation in the town of Tapalpa and died while being transported to Mexico City.
The implications of Oseguera’s death resonate beyond immediate violence. He is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in drug trafficking since the capture of Sinaloa cartel leaders Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. According to Matthew Donahue, the DEA’s top agent in Mexico, Oseguera was “the number one priority for DEA and frankly for federal law enforcement in the United States.”
Former DEA Chief of International Operations Mike Vigil described the operation as “one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking.” The ramifications of this operation are still unfolding, as Oseguera was considered a figure of immense power within the cartel.
The future of the CJNG remains uncertain. With Oseguera’s absence, a power vacuum may emerge, potentially leading to violent conflicts within the organization as factions vie for control. The CJNG’s previous rise was partly attributed to the weakening of the Sinaloa cartel, which is currently experiencing its own internal struggles.
The U.S. government has designated the CJNG as a terrorist organization, accusing it of trafficking various drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, into the United States. The cartel operates in at least 21 of Mexico’s 32 states and has a presence across the U.S. While it is unclear who will succeed Oseguera, his leadership was likened to that of a dictator, with his absence possibly slowing the cartel’s expansion.
Vigil emphasized that this moment presents a significant opportunity for Mexico and the United States to collaborate on an effective strategy against cartel operations. “This is a big opportunity for Mexico and the United States if they work together,” he stated.
The situation remains fluid, and the broader implications of El Mencho’s death will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months, affecting both Mexico and international drug trafficking networks. The world watches to see how the CJNG will adapt in the absence of its powerful leader.
