Violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader is killed as US issues security alert

Violence and unrest comes in hours after the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed NewsWorldAmericasViolence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader is killed as US issues security alertViolence and unrest comes in hours after the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed Isabel Keane in New York Sunday 22 February 2026 21:25 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreViolence and unrest is sweeping Mexico after the country’s military killed a highly-sought after cartel leader.Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco Sunday, officials said. In the ensuing hours, videos and reports emerged of roadblocks with burning vehicles, a known cartel tactic against law enforcement, shoot-outs and gas stations being set ablaze. The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs urged Americans in several parts of Mexico to shelter in place. This was “due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity,” the agency wrote on X. Regions under the advisory include the Mexican states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon. El Mencho was highly sought-after as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The U.S. State Department in December offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. Since CJNG formed in 2009, it has become one of Mexico’s most violent drug cartels. Officials believe the cartel has the highest capacity for trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the U.S. This is a breaking news story...More aboutU.S.MexicoJaliscoCarteldrug cartelssecurity alertJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next