Notorious Cartel Leader “El Mencho” Killed in Military Operation
The body of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was returned to his family after being killed in a military operation last week, according to Mexico’s attorney general’s office. The operation, which resulted in the death of El Mencho, sparked a wave of violence across Mexico, claiming the lives of dozens of people, including 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard.
El Mencho, who had a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head, was wounded by Mexican security forces in Jalisco and died while being flown to Mexico City. The Mexican authorities performed genetic tests to match the cartel leader’s remains to the family who requested the body, although the location of the handover and the identities of the relatives who received the body were not disclosed.
A search of El Mencho’s home after the operation uncovered a crucifix, religious candles, and a handwritten psalm, as reported by the Associated Press. Mexican authorities said they tracked one of his romantic partners to the hideout, which led to the operation.
U.S.-Mexico Cooperation and Response
A source briefed on the operation told CBS News that the raid was the culmination of intensified U.S.-Mexico counter-cartel cooperation under Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. A defense official also stated that a counter-cartel task force established by the Pentagon under U.S. Northern Command in January played a role in the operation, although the official emphasized that this was a Mexican military operation.
Mexico’s Defense ministry said in a statement that “complementary information was provided by U.S. authorities within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States.” Homeland security officials are also watching for a response from the cartel’s U.S.-based trafficking and financial networks.
Cartel’s U.S. Presence and Designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as CJNG, maintains distribution, logistics, and money-movement infrastructure across the U.S. While officials told CBS News there is no indication of an imminent threat to the U.S. as a result of the operation that killed Oseguera Cervantes, law enforcement agencies are monitoring any potential increases in violence, coercion, or debt-collection activity inside domestic trafficking corridors.
In February 2025, CJNG was one of several cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the Trump administration. Eleanor Watson and Nicole Sganga contributed to this report.
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