Half of Mexico was paralyzed within hours after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed on Sunday in a U.S.-backed military raid in Jalisco. The founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, described as the world’s most wanted drug lord, died after being wounded in a firefight during an operation that involved U.S. intelligence support.
Raid and Death
The operation took place in the Sierra de Tapalpa, Jalisco, and resulted in one man being killed. The intended capture became lethal when “El Mencho” was wounded in the firefight and subsequently died during an airlift to Mexico City. The DEA had a $15 million bounty on him.
The article said his death was considered the biggest blow to Mexican drug trafficking in a generation. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, operates in all 32 Mexican states and at least 40 countries.
Nationwide Fallout
Within hours of his death, approximately 250 roadblocks were reported across 20 states. In Guadalajara, 20 banks were torched. In Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist hub, smoke was observed over the tourist district, and all ground transport ceased, causing tourists to miss flights rather than risk traveling to the airport.
Jalisco’s governor declared a “code red.” Ten states canceled school for Monday. Aeroméxico suspended flights across western Mexico. The United States issued shelter alerts for Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Tulum, Tijuana, and parts of six other states, with at least seven more countries following suit.
Cartel Reach
The article described the CJNG as operating across the country and beyond Mexico’s borders. Its reach across all 32 Mexican states and at least 40 countries was cited alongside the scale of the disruption that followed El Mencho’s death.
The raid was described as U.S.-backed, with U.S. intelligence support, and the DEA had placed a $15 million bounty on El Mencho. The article was written by Juan Martinez and published on February 23, 2026.