MEXICO CITY, Feb 23 – Mexican authorities said intelligence linked to a recent visit by one of Nemesio Oseguera’s romantic partners helped lead security forces to him. The killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, has since unleashed waves of violence, shaken markets, and renewed pressure from the United States on Mexico to intensify its fight against organized crime.
Oseguera, the long-time head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, had evaded capture for years despite being the top target of both Mexican and US law enforcement. Officials now say a visit from one of his romantic partners played a decisive role in exposing his location, ultimately leading to a military operation that ended with his death and widespread retaliation across the country.
Operation, Intelligence Sharing, and the Death of El Mencho
According to senior Mexican defense officials, intelligence linked to a confidante of one of Oseguera’s romantic partners allowed authorities to rapidly narrow down the cartel boss’ whereabouts. The information pointed to a secluded compound in a forested area near the town of Tapalpa, in the western state of Jalisco, a region long considered a stronghold for the cartel.
The operation was planned swiftly and carried out by elite Mexican special forces. Officials later acknowledged that intelligence shared by the United States helped pinpoint the exact location of the compound. However, Mexico’s government stressed that the mission itself was conducted exclusively by Mexican forces, with no direct involvement of US personnel.
When security forces moved in, they were met with heavy resistance. Gunmen loyal to Oseguera opened fire, and the confrontation spilled into a nearby cabin complex hidden in the woods. During the clash, Oseguera and two of his closest bodyguards were seriously injured.
The three men were evacuated by helicopter and flown toward Mexico City for medical treatment. They did not survive the journey. Defense officials later confirmed their deaths, noting that Oseguera succumbed to his injuries en route.
At the scene of the raid, authorities seized an arsenal that underscored the cartel’s military-style capabilities. Weapons recovered included high-powered rifles equipped with grenade launchers, rocket launchers, and mortar shells. The scale of the firepower reinforced long-standing concerns about the sophistication and reach of criminal organizations operating in Mexico.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office announced that legal proceedings linked to the operation were underway across 14 states, reflecting the cartel’s extensive national footprint. Officials described the investigation as complex and ongoing, aimed at dismantling remaining networks tied to Oseguera’s organization.
President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the operation publicly, emphasizing that while intelligence cooperation with the United States was essential, the responsibility and execution rested with Mexican institutions. She added that the government’s priority was restoring calm and ensuring public safety in the wake of the operation.
Violence Erupts After Killing of Cartel Leader
The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes triggered swift and violent retaliation by cartel loyalists. Across multiple regions, armed groups blocked highways, torched vehicles, and attempted to paralyze transportation routes in a show of force against the state. Authorities recorded dozens of roadblocks in a single day, creating widespread disruption.
Security officials reported that clashes during these retaliatory actions left dozens of cartel members dead, along with at least one civilian bystander. Hundreds more were detained during coordinated security sweeps in several states. The government said no foreign nationals were harmed during the unrest.
In Jalisco, officials said the violence was being directed by Oseguera’s closest lieutenant and chief financial operator, known by the alias El Tuli. As security forces moved to arrest him, he was killed in a separate confrontation. Authorities alleged that he had offered cash rewards to encourage attacks on military personnel, highlighting the deliberate and organized nature of the retaliation.
The unrest had immediate economic consequences. Airlines canceled flights to and from affected areas, and shares in major aviation and airport companies fell sharply as investors reacted to the instability. By the following day, some carriers reported a gradual resumption of operations, though officials acknowledged that the situation remained fragile.
Economists warned that prolonged unrest could damage tourism and disrupt key industries in Jalisco, a state that plays a major role in electronics manufacturing, agriculture, and tequila production. Any sustained disruption, they noted, could ripple through supply chains well beyond Mexico’s borders.
The killing of Oseguera also reignited political debate on both sides of the border. US President Donald Trump publicly called on Mexico to intensify its efforts against drug cartels, particularly those involved in the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. His remarks reflected ongoing pressure from Washington for tougher action against organized crime.
Mexican officials, while acknowledging the shared responsibility, reiterated long-standing concerns about the flow of illegal firearms from the United States into Mexico. Government data has consistently shown that a significant share of weapons recovered from crime scenes in Mexico originated north of the border, a factor that has fueled the cartels’ firepower.
Despite the violence, the government sought to project an image of control. State-owned oil company Pemex said its operations were continuing normally and that fuel supplies were secure nationwide. President Sheinbaum said roadblocks had been cleared and that conditions were steadily returning to normal.
The death of El Mencho represents a major blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations in the country. Yet security analysts cautioned that such victories often come with short-term spikes in violence, as rival factions and remaining leaders struggle for control.
With more than 130,000 people officially listed as missing nationwide and organized crime continuing to drive much of the bloodshed, the challenge facing Mexico’s government remains immense. The operation that killed Oseguera may mark a turning point, but whether it leads to lasting stability or further fragmentation will depend on what comes next.