Mexico killed "El Mencho." Here's how and what we know about U.S. role
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A member of the Mexican Prosecutor's Office stands guard near a bus after it was set on fire in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, by organized crime groups in response to the killing of drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday. Photo: Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images
Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the country's most-wanted drug lord, following information from the U.S. that assisted in Sunday's operation, the Trump administration and Mexico's defense ministry said.
Why it matters: President Trump has for months pressed Mexican officials to target drug cartels and the U.S. had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — a designated terrorist organization in the United States.
- U.S. tourists were among those affected after violence erupted in multiple cities following the death of "El Mencho," which Mexico's Defense Ministry said on X occurred after the Mexican military came under attack while flying the detained cartel leader to Mexico City.
Threat level: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo urged residents via posts to her social media accounts to remain "calm" and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico urged Americans to "shelter in place" in multiple states after images showed vehicles set on fire and smoke rising above beachfront hotels in Puerto Vallarta, a Pacific coastal resort town.
- U.S. tourists were among those stranded in Puerto Vallarta, as Air Canada announced it was canceling flights to and from the town's airport due to the ongoing "security situation." Delta, American Airlines and Alaskan Airlines reported cancelations and delays in the tourist hub.
- Sheinbaum noted that "in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally" and there were no immediate reports of civilian casualties.
Zoom in: In Guadalajara, Jalisco's capital and one of the 2026 World Cup host cities, gunfire was reported and armed men that a local reporter said on X were suspected CJNG members appeared to set a gas station alight in the city where CJNG was founded in 2009.
- The U.S. Embassy noted in its online statement that "roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta."
- All taxis and ride shares were suspended in Puerto Vallarta and some businesses had "suspended operations," according to the embassy.
Driving the news: Mexico's military came under attack while transporting the 59-year-old "El Mencho" and returned fire, according to the Mexican Defense Ministry.
- Security forces killed four cartel members and three others later died of their injuries, including "El Mencho," per the post.
- Authorities detained two cartel members "and various weaponry and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles," the post added.
Context: A December 2024 U.S. State Department online post announcing an increased reward for the "arrest and/or conviction" of "El Mencho" described the leader and co-founder of CJNG as a fugitive.
- "Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States for drug trafficking," according to the post.
- "Most recently, in April 2022, Oseguera was charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for importation into the United States; and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes."
- His cartel "is one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico and is responsible for exporting tonnage quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and illicit opioids into the United States," per a Justice Department statement announcing the January indictment of a suspected CJNG senior leader.
Of note: The Mexican Defense Ministry said in its X statement that "for the execution of this operation, in addition to the central military intelligence efforts, within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the USA," American authorities provided information that assisted with the operation.
- White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed via X later Sunday that U.S. intelligence had provided "support to the Mexican government" to assist in the operation.
- The Washington Post and Reuters reported an unnamed U.S. defense official saying Mexico's military conducted the operation "from a joint U.S.-Mexico task force that 'regularly works'" with the Mexican military through United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM), which oversees American operations in both nations.
- Representatives for the Pentagon and NORTHCOM both said via Sunday evening emails they had "no information to provide" on the matter, adding: "This was a Mexican military operation and refer you back to the Mexican government for more information."
What they're saying: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on X described "El Mencho" as "one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins" and called his death "a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world."
- Landau added: "I'm watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern. It's not surprising that the bad guys are responding with terror. But we must never lose our nerve."
Go deeper: After El Mencho killing, U.S. still seeks these Mexican cartel leaders
Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.
