Cartel Fury Unleashed: Violence Erupts Across Mexico After ‘El Mencho’ Eliminated

The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”, the longtime leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has unleashed a significant wave of violence across Mexico. Mexican military forces killed him on February 22, 2026, during a high-risk operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. He was seriously wounded in a shootout with special forces attempting to capture him and died shortly afterward while being airlifted to Mexico City for medical treatment.

El Mencho, aged 59, had led the CJNG—one of Mexico’s most dominant and violent criminal organizations—for years. The cartel is notorious for its aggressive tactics, military-grade weaponry, involvement in fentanyl trafficking, and widespread corruption of officials. His elimination marked one of the biggest blows against organized crime in Mexico in recent decades, aided by U.S. intelligence sharing, though Mexican officials emphasized the operation was executed solely by their forces.

Almost immediately after news of his death spread, CJNG members launched coordinated retaliatory attacks. Suspected cartel gunmen set vehicles ablaze—including buses, cars, and businesses—erected burning roadblocks (known as “narcobloques”), clashed with security forces, and disrupted transportation in at least 20 states. In Jalisco alone, dozens of blockades were reported, particularly around Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist hub. The violence extended to other regions, with reports of torched convenience stores, attacks on infrastructure, and chaos that stranded travelers, including U.S. tourists at airports like Guadalajara.

Not special forces. These are members of a drug cartel in Mexico, armed like a military unit. pic.twitter.com/KGBHxEektg

— Creepy.org (@creepydotorg) February 22, 2026

Authorities reported at least 62 deaths in the initial clashes and aftermath, including 25 National Guard members, several civilians, and around 30 suspected cartel members. Over 70 arrests were made, and hundreds of vehicles were damaged or destroyed. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the nation, stressing that calm was being restored, with additional troops deployed—including 2,000 more soldiers in Jalisco—to regain control. By February 24, many blockades had been cleared, public transport resumed in parts of Jalisco, and officials declared normalcy returning in most affected areas, though some restrictions lingered in high-risk zones.

Experts warn that while the immediate retaliatory surge may subside, El Mencho’s death could fracture the CJNG’s structure. As a highly centralized figure, his removal risks internal power struggles among lieutenants and family members vying for control, potentially leading to more fragmented but prolonged violence. It may also invite aggression from rival groups seeking to exploit the power vacuum.

The unrest has raised concerns about tourism, upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup (with matches planned in Jalisco), and broader security implications, including possible migration pressures toward the U.S. border due to instability.

For now, Mexican forces continue operations to contain the fallout, but the episode underscores the persistent challenge of cartel power in the country—even decapitation strikes can provoke deadly backlash rather than dismantle organizations entirely.