‘El Mencho’s’ Posthumous Reign of Terror on Western Mexico 

Content warning: Murder, terrorism, drug-trafficking 

On the morning of Feb. 22, the Mexican army, in collaboration with American military forces, killed Nemessio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — or “El Mencho” — the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. 

For residents in the area of western Mexico, the violence following his death is rapidly affecting daily life and security, leading many to question the intentions of Mexican authorities. While the removal of a major cartel figurehead is an important step toward the right direction, the immediate reaction of CJNG makes the action hard to justify. 

Oseguera was one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals, with CJNG being considered one of Mexico’s most violent and fastest-growing cartels. Oseguera, alongside CJNG, is accused of trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, and at the time of his assassination, the United States had a standing reward of $15 million USD for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. 

Mexico’s Defense Ministry says special forces carried out a major operation targeting Oseguera, with forces being attacked immediately when arriving at his location. During the standoff, Oseguera was critically wounded and died during air transfer to a medical facility. 

Mexican forces seized heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, ammunition, tactical equipment and evidence of cartel operations. 

About 137,000 .50-caliber rounds have been seized since 2012, with 47% coming from a plant in Kansas City, MO, according to the New York Times. Additionally, since October, Mexican authorities have seized 18,000 firearms, of which 80% came from the United States. 

The Mexican government declared war on drug trafficking groups in 2006, and violence has rocked the country ever since, with around 480,000 people murdered in the past 19 years. 

The announcement of Oseguera’s death was immediately followed by the spread of violence across parts of western Mexico. Vehicles were set on fire to block highways, and armed confrontations were reported in multiple municipalities, including at the Guadalajara airport, which is currently controlled by CJNG. 

The U.S. Embassy issued security alerts urging Americans in several Mexican states to shelter in place amid the unrest, and flights were canceled in and out of major regional airports as security concerns escalated. 

Thanks to civilian journalists, videos and reports have spread online, providing Mexican and American residents with widespread awareness and information. 

The immediate reactions reflect a broader pattern seen in Mexico following high-profile cartel leadership removals. While the death of a major figure can weaken centralized command, it can also create instability. 

Cartel structures often depend on a network of regional commanders who control specific territories and revenue streams. When the top leader is removed, questions of succession emerge. Internal factions may compete for authority. Rival organizations may attempt to seize territory which may appear vulnerable. In this environment, violence can intensify as groups test boundaries and assert dominance. 

For residents in CJNG-influenced areas, safety concerns extend beyond headlines. 

Roadblocks and arson attacks disrupt access to hospitals, schools and workplaces. Armed confrontations have and will erupt in public spaces with little warning. Local business owners may face renewed extortion attempts as factions seek to secure income. 

Even when large-scale clashes subside, uncertainty lingers. Families may alter daily routines, avoid certain neighborhoods or limit travel out of precaution. 

The implications of violence aren’t confined to Mexico. 

CJNG has been identified as a major supplier of synthetic opioids to U.S. markets, contributing to a drug crisis continuing to claim hundreds of thousands of American lives annually. Disrupting leadership doesn’t automatically dismantle production sites, trafficking routes or distribution networks. 

The cross-border dimension of the crisis complicates international security. 

Weapons and ammunition originating in the United States have been traced to cartel operations, while drugs manufactured or transported through Mexico have fueled addiction and overdoses north of the border. 

Cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities — including intelligence sharing — has played a visible role in targeting high-level figures. However, cooperation at the top doesn’t immediately translate into security on the ground. Communities living under cartel influence often experience the consequences of transitions before stabilization measures take effect. 

Public reaction to Oseguera’s death has included expressions of relief and declarations of victory, with some poking fun at the situation. However, safety analysts frequently caution such moments as volatile. 

The coming months will reveal whether authorities can prevent fragmentation and retaliatory violence. 

Sustained security operations, protection for local officials and support for communities affected by unrest will be critical, while long-term measures addressing weapons trafficking, corruption and economic vulnerability remain central to reducing the conditions that allow organized crime to flourish. 

For people living in regions touched by CJNG’s influence, the central issue isn’t symbolism. It’s whether highways remain open, whether children can attend school safely and whether businesses can operate without intimidation. 

The death of one cartel leader is a significant development, but it doesn’t by itself guarantee greater security. 

Until violence subsides and stability is maintained over time, caution — rather than celebration — may better reflect the reality on the ground for communities on both sides of the border. 

In the meantime, I would like to offer a prayer to my family currently living in western Mexico. 

A mi familia afectada por la violencia causada por la muerte de “El Mencho”, les quiero ofrecer una oración: Señor, en estos tiempos de incertidumbre, te pedimos que cuides y protejas a todos aquellos inocentes que están siendo afectados por esta ola de violencia. Cúbrelos, Señor, con tu manto protector. Querida Madre María nuestra, te pedimos que pidas a tu hijo Jesús que proteja a todas las personas inocentes afectadas por la violencia en México. Amén.