Will "El Mencho's" death trigger a new drug war in Mexico?

Deutsche Welle

February 24, 2026

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The death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," one of Mexico's most influential drug lords, has raised fears of a new drug war in the country. As the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), El Mencho's killing by Mexican special forces during a shootout has sparked concerns about increased violence and instability. The CJNG, a highly powerful cartel involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other crimes, is now grappling with leadership vacuum, potentially leading to internal power struggles and retaliatory attacks against rival cartels. El Mencho, once a police officer turned drug lord, built the CJNG into one of Mexico's most brutal and far-reaching criminal organizations. Established in 2010, the cartel expanded its influence across the country through violent clashes with competing groups. The CJNG is also designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, accused of numerous atrocities including over 75,000 deaths. Despite his quiet lifestyle compared to other drug lords like "El Chapo," El Mencho's family ties to organized crime have been well-documented, with several relatives facing charges in Mexico and the U.S. The Mexican government's decision to target El Mencho marks a shift in its approach to dealing with cartels, moving away from a strategy of negotiation toward direct confrontation. While U.S. officials praised the operation as a significant win for both nations, critics warn that the cartel's response could escalate violence, particularly in regions where CJNG members have already retaliated by killing dozens and targeting tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. The aftermath of El Mencho's death highlights the complex and dangerous landscape of Mexico's drug war. The potential power vacuum left by his killing could lead to a surge in criminal activity as competing factions within the CJNG fight for control. This situation is further complicated by the government's targeting of other high-profile cartel leaders, which may prompt rival groups to consolidate their forces or seek new alliances. Globally, the situation in Mexico matters because it underscores the interconnectedness of organized crime across borders. The CJNG's influence extends beyond Mexico into the U.S., where its

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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/24/2026