Drug Lord ‘El Mencho’ Was Killed in Mexico. What’s Next for the Cartel He Led?

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by Maria Abi-Habib

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has sent shockwaves through Mexico. Despite the significant blow to the cartel's operations, experts doubt this will lead to its dissolution. The cartel, which controls vast drug trafficking networks and extends its influence into areas like avocado farming and migrant smuggling, is now focused on securing its future under new leadership. El Mencho's killing by Mexican security forces triggered immediate retaliatory violence across Mexico, including attacks on stores, banks, and highways. This chaos highlights the instability the cartel faces as it scrambles to appoint a successor and prevent internal conflicts over power. The cartel's ability to maintain unity will be crucial in determining its survival. The Mexican government is already embroiled in a fierce conflict with another major cartel, the Sinaloa Cartel, adding complexity to their efforts against Jalisco New Generation. This dual-front war poses significant challenges for authorities aiming to dismantle organized crime. El Mencho's death underscores the enduring resilience of Mexico's drug cartels. His leadership was pivotal, but the organization's infrastructure and resources suggest it will adapt rather than collapse. The outcome will shape the broader trajectory of organized crime in Mexico, with implications for security both domestically and internationally. This situation matters to global readers as it reflects the ongoing challenges in combating transnational organized crime. The ability of Mexican authorities to capitalize on this opportunity to weaken cartel structures is critical, yet the cartels' adaptability remains a key factor in their persistence.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026