Updated Feb 22, 2026 - Politics & Policy

U.S. intel helped Mexico in raid that killed drug lord "El Mencho," WH says

President Trump in a dark blue suit with a red tie looking at a Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum in a purple dress with colorful floral embroidery, both standing beside transparent containers holding soccer balls. — President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Washington, D.C., in December. Photo: Mandel Ngan - Pool/Getty Images

U.S. intelligence provided "support to the Mexican government" to assist in an operation in the country Sunday that resulted in the death of the drug lord known as "El Mencho," White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on X.

The big picture: Leavitt noted in her Sunday statement that "'El Mencho," the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was "a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland."

The U.S. in December 2024 offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of "'El Mencho," whose cartel the second Trump administration designated as a terrorist organization.

What they're saying: The Trump administration "commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation" in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, which saw three other cartel members killed, three wounded and two others arrested, Leavitt said.

"President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved," per Leavitt's statement.
"Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that's exactly what they are."

Between the lines: Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in office vowing to crack down on cartels and has for months been pressing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to do more to target drug cartels.

Last year, Mexico extradited 26 suspected high-ranking drug traffickers to the U.S. — including several linked to groups the Trump administration designated as global terrorist organizations.

Go deeper: "Mexico killed "El Mencho." Here's how and what we know about U.S. role

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.

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U.S. intel helped Mexico in raid that killed drug lord "El Mencho," WH says

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