Cartel Violence Erupts Across Mexico After Killing of CJNG Leader "El Mencho"

February 23, 2026 - MEXICO - Widespread violence swept across Mexico after the country's military killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes - better known as "El Mencho" - the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation, carried out on February 22 in the western state of Jalisco, triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks that paralyzed major cities, shut down schools, and prompted urgent U.S. security warnings.

A Major Cartel Figure Killed

Mexican security forces located El Mencho in the mountain town of Tapalpa. During the raid, troops came under heavy fire, killing four people at the scene. El Mencho was wounded and later died while being flown to Mexico City, according to Mexico's Ministry of Defense.

U.S. officials confirmed they provided intelligence support for the operation, calling the takedown one of the most significant blows to organized crime in years.

Riots, Roadblocks, and Fires Across Multiple States

Within hours of El Mencho's death, CJNG cells launched coordinated attacks across Mexico:

- Roadblocks with burning vehicles appeared in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo León.

- Shootouts erupted in several cities, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

- Gas stations and vehicles were set ablaze, a tactic long associated with CJNG retaliation.

- Airports and tourist zones saw panic as travelers sheltered in place amid gunfire and smoke.

Guadalajara - Mexico's second‑largest city - was effectively shut down as residents stayed indoors. Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist destination, saw thick plumes of smoke and frightened travelers rushing for cover inside the airport.

Heavy Casualties Among Security Forces

Mexico's Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch reported 25 National Guard members killed in six separate attacks linked to CJNG retaliation. Additional casualties included:

- A prison guard

- A state prosecutor's office agent

- A woman caught in the violence

- Roughly 30 suspected cartel members killed in Jalisco

- Four more suspects killed in Michoacán

Schools across multiple states canceled classes as authorities worked to clear more than 250 cartel roadblocks nationwide.

U.S. Issues Shelter‑in‑Place Alerts

The U.S. Department of State urged Americans in several Mexican states to shelter in place due to ongoing violence, blocked highways, and suspended taxi and rideshare services. The advisory covered:

- Jalisco

- Tamaulipas

- Michoacán

- Guerrero

- Nuevo León

A Turning Point in Mexico's Drug War

El Mencho was considered one of the world's most dangerous cartel leaders, with CJNG responsible for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin into the United States. Analysts say his death marks one of the most consequential anti‑cartel operations in modern Mexican history.

But officials warn the violence may not subside quickly. CJNG remains one of Mexico's most heavily armed and territorially entrenched criminal organizations, and security forces across the country remain on high alert.