A U.S.-backed operation has eliminated one of America’s most dangerous enemies, the fentanyl kingpin whose cartel has poisoned countless American families, but the violent aftermath exposes how deeply cartel terrorism has embedded itself in Mexico.
Story Highlights
- Mexican special forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel with a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head
- The February 22, 2026 raid triggered massive retaliation including roadblocks, arson, and clashes that killed 55 people including 25 National Guard troops
- U.S. intelligence support proved critical in tracking down the cartel leader responsible for flooding America with deadly fentanyl
- Mexican authorities arrested 70 cartel members and dismantled 85 roadblocks as the situation stabilized by February 23
U.S.-Backed Raid Eliminates Top Fentanyl Trafficker
Mexican special forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious cartel boss known as “El Mencho,” during a pre-dawn raid on February 22, 2026, in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. The operation relied on U.S. military task force intelligence following a tip about Oseguera’s romantic partner. Forces encircled the compound and engaged in two firefights, killing eight cartel gunmen before wounding Oseguera and two bodyguards. The 59-year-old cartel leader died during helicopter evacuation to Morelia. This represents a major victory in protecting American communities from the fentanyl crisis that has devastated families nationwide.
Cartel Violence Exposes National Security Threat
The death of El Mencho triggered immediate and brutal retaliation orchestrated by his lieutenant “El Tuli,” demonstrating the dangerous reach of these criminal organizations. Cartel members erected roadblocks, set fires, and launched coordinated attacks across multiple states. The violence claimed 30 gang members, 25 National Guard troops, and one innocent bystander. These cartels operate with military-grade weaponry and tactics including drone bombings, representing a direct threat to both Mexican and American sovereignty. The swift, organized response shows these aren’t simple criminals but well-funded terrorist organizations operating on our southern border.
CJNG Built Empire on American Suffering
El Mencho founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel around 2010, transforming it into Mexico’s most violent criminal organization. The cartel dominated fentanyl production and trafficking routes into the United States, directly contributing to the overdose epidemic killing tens of thousands of Americans annually. CJNG employed extreme violence including public executions and drone attacks to expand territory through wars with rival cartels like Sinaloa. The U.S. indicted Oseguera in 2015 and placed a $15 million bounty on him, recognizing the existential threat his organization posed to American communities through poison pill distribution disguised as legitimate medications.
Mexican Government Restores Order After Chaos
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration moved quickly to contain the violence, with Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch coordinating response efforts. By February 23, Mexican forces had arrested 70 cartel members across seven states and dismantled 85 roadblocks. Authorities killed “El Tuli” during a clash in El Grullo, eliminating Oseguera’s second-in-command who directed retaliation efforts. Schools and transit systems resumed operations in affected areas including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta as normalcy returned. Security forces remain on high alert monitoring potential CJNG successors to prevent power struggles that could reignite violence and threaten border stability.
The successful operation demonstrates what strong bilateral cooperation can achieve when both nations prioritize citizen safety over political correctness. However, the violent aftermath underscores the ongoing threat these cartels pose to American national security. With Trump back in office demanding Mexico intensify anti-cartel efforts, this tactical victory must translate into sustained pressure dismantling the infrastructure that enables fentanyl to flow across our borders. The fragmentation of CJNG could either weaken the cartel system or spark dangerous succession battles, making continued vigilance essential for protecting American families from this deadly threat.
Sources:
Key Events in Mexican Operation to Capture Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’
El Mencho Killing – ASIS Security Management
US Issues Mexico Travel Warning as Cartel Leader Killed
