What El Mencho’s death means for Mexico’s cartels
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The death of El Mencho, the leader of Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has sparked widespread violence across the country, raising questions about its long-term impact on organized crime. While authorities hail his killing as a significant blow to cartel operations, experts argue that removing a single kingpin often fails to dismantle the complex networks these groups operate through. The CJNG, known for its sophisticated tactics and territorial control, has shown resilience in the past, adapting to losses by decentralizing power and maintaining a strong presence even without El Mencho.
The immediate aftermath of his death saw violent clashes between rival cartels fighting for control. Cities across Mexico reported highway blockades, burnings, and shootouts, underscoring the instability that often follows such events. This escalation highlights the challenges Mexico faces in curbing cartel violence, as these groups frequently respond with increased aggression rather than disbanding. The situation has also raised concerns about potential reprisals against local populations caught in the crossfire.
Despite the chaos, some analysts suggest that El Mencho's removal could lead to internal power struggles within the CJNG, potentially weakening its structure over time. However, his death is unlikely to significantly reduce the cartel's influence in the short term. The CJNG has a long history of operating independently, making it difficult for authorities to disrupt its operations entirely through targeted strikes.
For Mexico, this development underscores the broader challenges of combating organized crime. While high-profile arrests and killings may generate headlines, they often fail to address the root causes of cartel violence, such as corruption, poverty, and the demand for illegal drugs in neighboring countries. The situation also raises questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies and the need for a more comprehensive approach to tackling cartels.
Globally, El Mencho's death is seen as a key moment in understanding the dynamics of transnational organized crime. It highlights the interconnected nature of drug trafficking networks and the challenges governments face in disrupting them. As violence continues to escalate in Mexico, the international community remains watchful, recognizing the potential spillover effects on regional stability and security.
This event underscores the complex and evolving landscape of cartel activity in Mexico, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to address both immediate threats and underlying issues. The death of El Mencho serves as a reminder of the enduring challenge posed by powerful criminal organizations and the importance of sustained international cooperation in combating them.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026