Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a federal security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 22, 2026. Federal sources confirmed his death to N+, marking a significant blow to organized crime in Mexico.
Initial reports suggest that there was a possibility of a skirmish or escape following the operation, but as of now, there has been no official validation from Mexican authorities regarding any arrests or a breakout attempt.
The operation led to armed confrontations and roadblocks in various locations across Jalisco. Social media footage depicted burning vehicles, gunfire, and a substantial mobilization of security forces, highlighting the severe violence that engulfed the region during the incident.
Internationally, the CJNG has been a primary target for the United States government. The cartel was classified under former President Donald Trump’s administration as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. State Department, alongside five other Mexican criminal groups. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had placed Oseguera Cervantes on its most wanted list, offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
As events unfold, Mexican authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding “El Mencho’s” death, and the violence in Jalisco appears to persist, underscoring the ongoing challenges in combatting organized crime in the region.