Mexican Security Forces Reportedly Kill Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’

JALISCO, Mexico — One of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers, the Mexican cartel leader known as “El Mencho,” has reportedly been killed during an operation by Mexican security forces, according to multiple Mexican media outlets citing government sources.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was reportedly killed on Sunday in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, a stronghold long associated with his criminal organization, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexican authorities have not yet issued a formal public confirmation, but major newspapers reported that federal forces carried out the operation.

Oseguera Cervantes rose from relative obscurity to become the leader of what many analysts consider Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organization, responsible for large-scale drug trafficking, extortion, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians and state security forces. Under his leadership, the CJNG expanded aggressively across Mexico and into other parts of Latin America, challenging rival cartels and directly confronting the Mexican state.

The United States government had placed a $15 million reward on Oseguera Cervantes for information leading to his capture or conviction, making him one of the most sought-after cartel figures in the world.

Immediate Violence Follows Reports of Death

Reports of El Mencho’s killing were followed almost immediately by widespread unrest across several western and central Mexican states. Media outlets documented burning vehicles, armed roadblocks, and so-called “narco blockades” in parts of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Michoacán, regions where the CJNG has long exercised influence.

Such retaliatory violence has historically followed major blows to cartel leadership, as criminal groups attempt to demonstrate continued power, intimidate authorities, or disrupt security operations.

Local authorities urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors while security forces worked to restore order.

A Major Turning Point — Or a Dangerous Transition

If confirmed, Oseguera Cervantes’ death would mark one of the most significant blows to organized crime in Mexico in decades. Analysts caution, however, that the removal of a cartel leader does not necessarily result in reduced violence. Power struggles within criminal organizations often lead to fragmentation, internal conflict, and short-term spikes in violence.

The CJNG’s deep structure, diversified revenue streams, and regional commanders could allow the organization to continue operating despite the loss of its founder.

Mexican and U.S. officials are expected to closely monitor developments in the coming days, particularly signs of retaliation or shifts in cartel leadership.