What to Know About the Killing of ‘El Mencho’

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by Ephrat Livni

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Mexican government has confirmed the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the longtime leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). El Mencho was killed during a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where he was injured and later died while being transported to Mexico City for medical attention. His death has sparked violent reprisals across Mexico, with cartel members setting fire to buildings and vehicles in response to his killing. El Mencho, one of Mexico’s most-wanted criminals, led the CJNG, a dominant drug trafficking organization that split from the Sinaloa Cartel around 2009. The CJNG has been known for its violent operations, controlling vast networks for the smuggling of synthetic drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States and other countries. Based in Jalisco, the cartel’s influence extended across multiple states, making it one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups. The killing of El Mencho is significant because it could disrupt the CJNG’s operations and potentially lead to a power vacuum within the organization. This could result in increased violence as competing factions fight for control. The immediate response from the cartel—setting fires and attacking targets across Mexico—highlights the ongoing instability and challenges faced by the Mexican government in its efforts to combat organized crime. The death of El Mencho also has broader implications for international drug trafficking networks,

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026