‘El Mencho,’ Mexico’s Notorious Cartel Boss, Killed by Security Forces

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes headed up what was considered Mexico’s fastest growing and deadliest drug cartel America's Most Wanted ‘El Mencho,’ Mexico’s Notorious Cartel Boss, Killed by Security Forces Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes headed up what was considered Mexico’s fastest growing and deadliest drug cartel By Althea Legaspi Althea Legaspi Contact Althea Legaspi on X ‘El Mencho,’ Mexico’s Notorious Cartel Boss, Killed by Security Forces Dave Grohl on Foo Fighters’ Split With Josh Freese: ‘Continuing on After Taylor Was Really Complicated’ Willie Colón, Pioneering Salsa Icon, Dead at 75 View all posts by Althea Legaspi February 22, 2026 A view of the site where Mexican Army troops killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' on Feb. 22, 2026. Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images Drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” was killed on Sunday in a military operation, the Mexican government said on Sunday. The former Jalisco state policeman who headed up what was considered Mexico’s fastest growing and deadliest drug cartels known as Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, or CJNG, was killed by Mexican security forces in Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco where he ran his cartel, the Mexican government said. At least seven cartel members were killed in the operation, according to The New York Times. Oseguera Cervantes was wounded during a raid and died while being transported to Mexico City, according to a statement from Mexico’s Ministry of Defense posted on X. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also confirmed the cartel leader’s death, describing him as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drugpins.” He added: “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world.” His death may strengthen relations between Mexico and the U.S. as President Donald Trump has threatened military strikes against Mexico’s cartels if the country does not step up its enforcement against the groups. Last February, the Trump administration designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization that “engages in extortion, migrant smuggling, oil and mineral theft, as well as weapons trade” alongside trafficking fentanyl and other drugs. Violence has erupted in western Mexico in the wake of El Mencho’s death, with reports of vehicles being burned in at least six states, which is a common tactic used by drug cartels to circumvent military operations. Jalisco, whose capital Guadalajara is slated to host the World Cup this summer, suspended public transportation and Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro advised people in the region to remain at home until the situation comes under control. The U.S. government also urged U.S. citizens in five states — Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State — to “shelter in place until further notice.” Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century On Sunday, various airlines canceled flights or issued travel advisories for the region. Video footage on social media showed chaotic panic at the airport in Guadalajara, and smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco. Trending Stories What Former Prince Andrew’s Arrest Says About the Royal Family: 'It’s the Stuff of Nightmares'