A wave of violence has erupted across Mexico following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and one of the country’s most wanted drug traffickers. The operation that resulted in his death, carried out by Mexican security forces, has triggered widespread unrest, road blockages, and attacks on businesses across several states.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged citizens to “stay informed and calm” as armed groups have blocked highways and set businesses ablaze in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Sinaloa states, according to reports. The violence underscores the fragility of security in regions heavily influenced by organized crime, even following the elimination of a key cartel leader.
The disruption has extended to air travel, with numerous North American airlines cancelling dozens of flights to Mexican cities. The U.S. State Department has issued shelter-in-place advisories for American citizens in popular tourist destinations including Cancún, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca, urging them to “seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels” until further notice. The advisories cover all or parts of several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
“Due to ongoing security operations, road blockades, and criminal activity, U.S. Citizens in these areas should seek shelter,” the U.S. Embassy in Mexico stated. The scale of the disruption highlights the immediate and far-reaching consequences of the operation against El Mencho, impacting both residents and visitors.
Nemesio Oseguera had led the CJNG since 2009, rising to prominence as a major figure in Mexico’s drug trade following the arrests of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. According to the Mexican military, El Mencho was wounded during a raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died while being transported by air to Mexico City. The military also stated that U.S. Authorities provided information that aided in the operation.
Following the operation, armed individuals reportedly set vehicles on fire to block major roadways in Jalisco and Michoacán, areas where the CJNG holds significant influence. Seven suspected criminals were killed, three soldiers were injured, and two cartel members were arrested during the clashes. Authorities also seized a substantial cache of weaponry, including rocket launchers.
The violence has even impacted sporting events. A Querétaro–Juárez first division football match was suspended, as were the women’s clásico between Guadalajara and América, and a Liga Expansión match between Tapatío and Tlaxcala, all in Jalisco state. This demonstrates the pervasive impact of the unrest, extending beyond security concerns to disrupt daily life.
The CJNG, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States in 2025, is accused of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The cartel’s activities have contributed to a staggering toll of violence in Mexico, with more than 450,000 deaths and over 100,000 disappearances recorded since 2006, according to official figures. The death of El Mencho does not guarantee an end to the violence, but represents a significant blow to the organization.
The U.S. Played a supporting role in the operation, with the U.S. Military providing assistance through the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, which regularly collaborates with the Mexican military via the U.S. Northern Command. The White House confirmed that U.S. Intelligence was provided to support the raid. This collaboration underscores the shared interest between the two countries in combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
Former DEA Chief of International Operations Mike Vigil described the military operation as “one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking,” drawing a comparison to the capture of El Chapo Guzmán and El Mayo Zambada. However, he cautioned that the dismantling of a cartel leader does not automatically resolve the underlying issues driving the drug trade and violence.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, calling on Mexico to “step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” in a social media post. This statement reflects the ongoing political pressure from the United States for Mexico to address the issue of drug trafficking and its associated violence.
The immediate aftermath of El Mencho’s death has revealed the CJNG’s capacity for disruption and retaliation. While the Mexican government asserts that “peace, security and normalcy” are being maintained, the widespread unrest and travel disruptions suggest a more complex reality. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether the operation against El Mencho will lead to a sustained reduction in violence or simply a reshuffling of power within the criminal landscape.
