Mexican special forces conducted a high-risk raid on February 22, 2026, that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” the long-elusive leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the world’s most violent and powerful drug organizations.
Described by Mexican officials as the country’s most significant security operation in over a decade, the strike followed months of intense pressure from the Trump administration to combat cartels responsible for flooding the U.S. with fentanyl. U.S. intelligence is reported to have played a key supporting role in locating El Mencho, who carried up to a $15 million American bounty on his head.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government reportedly authorized the raid, a starkly different strategy from her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s “hugs, not bullets” approach that focused on social programs over national security, or any direct confrontation with the rampant cartels.
Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy
President Donald Trump has consistently warned that his administration would take stern action if Mexico failed to do more to stop the mass flow of illegal aliens and drugs across the southern border into America.
A Truth Social post on January 29 from the President offered hope in terms of cooperation with Mexico and its leaders, with Trump posting the following:
“I had a very productive telephone conversation with President Claudia Sheinbaum, of Mexico. It went extremely well for both Countries. Much of it was focused on the Border, stopping Drug Trafficking, and Trade. We will be speaking again, soon, and ultimately, setting up meetings in our respective Countries. Mexico has a wonderful and highly intelligent Leader — They should be very happy about that! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”
Trump continued to drive home this message, even after the raid that took down El Mencho, posting, “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”
Since taking office, the Trump administration has designated Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, imposed new targeted tariffs, and made clear that America’s patience was wearing thin. A Congressional Research Service report released on February 20 detailed how Trump has considered tariffs and military intervention against Mexico – similar to the recent U.S. operation against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro – to push for results.
Mexico has seemingly made efforts to cooperate with America. In January, the country transferred “37 Mexican nationals wanted for serious crimes, including leaders of foreign terrorist organizations,” into American custody, per a U.S. Department of Justice press release.
On February 26, commentator John Basham claimed that the U.S. pressured President Sheinbaum to conduct joint operations against the CJNG cartel, threatening action if she refused. He alleged that U.S. officials presented evidence linking cartel financing to her campaign and warned her of potential charges. Sheinbaum alledgely agreed to target El Mencho after initial hesitation. While Basham’s claims are based on anonymous sources and are not independently verified, they reflect a pattern of effective U.S. diplomatic influence evident in recent events, such as El Mencho’s death and Maduro’s capture.
From Raid to Reprisals
The raid to capture El Mencho came at a steep price, however. At least 62 individuals lost their lives during the raid on “El Mencho,” along with the violence that followed, which included 25 members of the National Guard military police and 34 alleged gang affiliates, as cartel supporters ignited vehicles in 85 roadblocks across over a dozen states, according to officials, reported Reuters.
CJNG cartel rebels hit back fast and hard, with roadblocks across dozens of states, burning cars, buses, and buildings, and engaging in rampant shootings with Mexico’s security forces.
In response to the continued violence, including targeting popular tourist areas, a group of veterans deployed to Mexico to assist American citizens, as reported by The Dallas Express. The nonprofit organization Grey Bull Rescue has launched “Operation: CONDOR REACH” to help ensure the safety of Americans in the region.
Additionally, Drug Czar Sara Carter made her inaugural international trip as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to Mexico this week. The visit aimed to enhance coordination between the U.S. and Mexico to dismantle cartel networks.
“The Mexican government is demonstrating a sincere ongoing commitment to the shared counternarcotics cause which has plagued both of our nations for decades,” Carter said. “Defeating the cartels is an ongoing mutual effort necessary for the safety and security of both our nations.”
