Mexican authorities have reported 74 fatalities, including 25 members of the National Guard, following widespread unrest triggered by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to the Mexican Foreign Ministry, no foreign nationals were injured during the violence.
Widespread Roadblocks and Arson
El Mencho, 59, died on Sunday following a military operation aimed at his capture in the western state of Jalisco. In response, cartel members erected approximately 250 roadblocks across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states. Businesses and gas stations were also set ablaze.
Disruptions occurred in Guadalajara, one of three Mexican cities hosting matches for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. International air traffic was temporarily diverted. The defense minister, Ricardo Trevilla, stated that a criminal leader, later killed, had offered his followers 20,000 pesos (approximately 980 euros) for each soldier killed.
Authorities report that security has largely been restored in the affected areas, though isolated incidents continue. The army stated that the majority of the roadblocks have been cleared as of today.
Approximately 10,000 military and police personnel were proactively deployed to the Yucatan Peninsula, a popular tourist destination encompassing areas like Cancun, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres, as a preventative measure.
The death of El Mencho, considered Mexico’s most wanted man, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and organized crime within the country. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), under his leadership, has grown into one of the most powerful and feared criminal organizations in Mexico, expanding its operations both nationally and internationally.
The U.S. Has previously indicted El Mencho multiple times and offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture, citing his alleged involvement in trafficking billions of dollars worth of cocaine and fentanyl into the United States.
The immediate aftermath of his death saw a wave of retaliatory violence, with cartel members targeting infrastructure and symbols of state authority. The widespread roadblocks, designed to disrupt movement and exert control, paralyzed transportation networks and created a climate of fear. The targeting of businesses, including banks and pharmacies, suggests an attempt to destabilize the local economy and demonstrate the cartel’s reach.
The situation prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a security warning advising American citizens in several Mexican states to “shelter in place,” although this warning was later relaxed for certain areas. Security firms are advising travelers to reconsider plans to visit popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun in the coming 48 hours, citing the unpredictable nature of the unfolding situation.
Experts warn that the long-term consequences of El Mencho’s death remain uncertain. While his removal represents a blow to the CJNG, it could also trigger a power struggle within the cartel, potentially leading to further violence and fragmentation. The Mexican government has declared that “tranquility” has been restored, but the scale of the recent unrest underscores the deep-rooted challenges facing the country in its fight against organized crime.
The events also come amid heightened scrutiny of Mexico’s security situation, with external actors, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging the government to intensify its efforts against cartels and drug trafficking. The situation is being closely monitored internationally, particularly given Mexico’s role as a key transit point for illicit drugs destined for the United States and other global markets.
