Mexico Cartel Death
National Guards patrol the area outside of the General Prosecutor's headquarters in Mexico City, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after authorities reported that the Mexican Army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho."
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The Mexican army killed the country’s most powerful cartel leader and one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives, notching a major victory. The killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes during an attempt to capture him in Jalisco state on Sunday was the highest-profile blow against cartels since the recapture of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán a decade ago. Cartel gunmen responded with violence across the country. Many locked themselves in their homes in fear. The Trump administration has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels.
At least 73 people died in Mexico’s attempt to capture the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the violent aftermath of his death. That's according to authorities who spoke Monday as much of the country feared another wave of violence. The body count taken by security officials included security forces, suspected cartel members and others. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, called “El Mencho,” was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico. It is known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials. The organization responded to his death with widespread violence.
The White House, which confirmed U.S. intelligence support to capture Oseguera Cervantes, applauded the operation.
