Mexico Braces for Violence After Cartel Leader’s Death
Guadalajara, Mexico – School was canceled in several Mexican states and citizens were urged to remain indoors as widespread violence erupted following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation that resulted in his death unfolded on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and triggered a wave of unrest across the country.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm, emphasizing “absolute coordination with governments of all states” in a message posted on social media. Despite reports of road blockades and violent demonstrations, Sheinbaum stated that most of the nation was experiencing “full normality.” She urged citizens to “stay informed and calm.”
La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional reportó el operativo llevado a cabo esta mañana por fuerzas federales, que derivó en diversos bloqueos y otras reacciones.
Existe absoluta coordinación con gobiernos de todos los estados; debemos mantenernos informados y en calma.
Las redes…
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) February 22, 2026
According to Sheinbaum, the Ministry of Defense (Sedena) reported that the military and National Guard operation led to numerous road blockades and other reactions. Official security channels will continue to provide updates on the situation, she added. She also expressed her gratitude to the Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet for their actions.
Operation and Aftermath
El Mencho, 59, was one of the most wanted criminals by both Mexican and U.S. Authorities, with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his capture. He was reportedly wounded during an operation in Tapalpa, located 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, and died while being transported to Mexico City.
The U.S. Provided intelligence support to the operation, according to the White House, applauding the Mexican Army for taking down a man described as one of the most wanted criminals in both countries. The U.S. Military also played a role through the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, working with the Mexican military via the U.S. Northern Command, though officials emphasized this was a Mexican-led operation.
Following the military operation, armed individuals blocked roads and set businesses ablaze in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Quintana Roo, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, Nayarit, Puebla, and Sinaloa, among other states. Reports indicate that approximately 20 bank branches were attacked and shops were set on fire.
The cartel, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States, has also been notorious for staging brazen attacks against government officials. The death of El Mencho, a major fentanyl trafficker, comes as Mexico hopes to alleviate pressure from the U.S. Administration to do more to combat the cartels.
Authorities announced late Sunday that they had cleared most of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states. However, concerns remain high as the country awaits the cartel’s reaction to the loss of its leader.
