...
By Hollie Silverman
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm and praised federal security forces after the Mexican army killed drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during a Sunday operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
The killing has sparked chaos in the country, with reports of roadblocks, arson and flight disruptions from suspected cartel members across multiple states.
The Secretariat of National Defense confirmed that Oseguera was wounded during the raid and died while being airlifted to Mexico City as violence flared in Jalisco and neighboring states following the operation.
Read More on News
Why It Matters
The death of Oseguera—the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — marked Mexico’s most consequential hit against a drug cartel boss since the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, with immediate security and travel impacts across western Mexico.
Authorities and airlines suspended operations in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta amid arson attacks and roadblocks, while U.S. and Canadian officials issued warnings for Americans in parts of Mexico, underscoring the broader regional security implications and potential tourism and economic ripple effects.
What To Know
Mexico’s Defense Ministry said federal forces engaged CJNG gunmen in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday morning. Oseguera was wounded in the operation and died en route to Mexico City, while four alleged cartel members were killed at the scene, officials said, according to a report from CNN.
Three Mexican military personnel were injured and transported to a hospital in Mexico City, the defense ministry said.
Following the operation, suspected cartel members set vehicles ablaze and blocked highways in Jalisco and other states, with visible plumes of smoke reported in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and disturbances noted in Nayarit, Michoacán and Guanajuato.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain at home and said public transportation services would be suspended “until the situation is under control,” CNN reported.
Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, while United Airlines and American Airlines canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara due to the unrest.
The U.S. State Department urged U.S. citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco and Michoacán, to shelter in place due to ongoing operations and related criminal activity.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's Full Statement
"The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions. There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm. The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality. My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet. We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico."
...
Who Was El Mencho?
Cervantes, 59, known as “El Mencho,” founded and led the CJNG, which the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has described as among Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations, with a presence across Mexico and in U.S. markets.
Authorities linked CJNG under Oseguera to military-grade tactics, including armored vehicles, land mines and weaponized drones, and to attacks such as the 2015 downing of a Mexican military helicopter, which killed nine law enforcement officials, according to historical accounts and Mexican authorities.
U.S. indictments charged Oseguera with leading CJNG’s trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States and in 2025 the State Department designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, CNN reported.
U.S. authorities had offered up to $15 million for information leading to Oseguera’s arrest or conviction, while U.S. officials said American agencies provided complementary information that supported the operation, though the raid was carried out by Mexican forces, officials and outlets said.
What People Are Saying
Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, wrote in a series of posts on X Sunday: "I’ve just been informed that Mexican security forces have killed 'El Mencho,' one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins. This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. PS, 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. ¡Ánimo México!"
What Happens Next
Authorities continued security operations and road clearance in affected states while monitoring for retaliatory violence and potential factional clashes within CJNG, according to state and federal updates.
The Mexican government said it would maintain coordination among federal and state forces and continue public updates through official channels, as Sheinbaum emphasized calm and normalcy in most of the country.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines