C.I.A. Intelligence Helped Lead Mexican Authorities to ‘El Mencho’

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by Julian E. Barnes, Eric Schmitt and Jack Nicas

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mexican special forces, with critical intelligence provided by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), successfully located and killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, the longtime leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel ( CJNG). El Mencho, considered Mexico's most wanted criminal, was tracked through a romantic partner and her associate, who led Mexican authorities to his hideout in Mexico City. This operation, carried out on February 23, 2024, marks a significant blow to the drug cartel's operations. Mexican officials revealed that they first identified one of El Mencho's associates linked to a romantic partner, which ultimately provided the location of their target. General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Mexico’s secretary of defense, acknowledged the use of intelligence from the Mexican Army and complementary information shared by U.S. agencies, including the CIA. The U.S. had been pressuring Mexico to act on intelligence regarding El Mencho's network for years, with collaboration intensifying during the Trump administration. While details about the source of the CIA's information were not disclosed, it is understood that the agency utilized a range of methods, including human informants and intercepted communications. The capture and killing of El Mencho represent a major milestone in Mexico's ongoing fight against drug cartels. As one of the most elusive and influential cartel leaders, his removal could disrupt CJNG operations and weaken its control over territory and resources. This operation also highlights the growing cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities in combating organized crime, despite tensions over migration and security policies. The success of this joint effort underscores the importance of intelligence-sharing and coordinated law enforcement actions in addressing transnational criminal networks.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026