El Mencho's Killing Triggers Violence and Exposes Flawed Strategy
Feb 28th 2026
The Feb 22 killing of Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes set off nationwide unrest and a Puerto Vallarta prison breakout. Mexico's long reliance on targeting cartel bosses has repeatedly produced replacements and more violence while problems like impunity and youth unemployment remain unresolved.
- El Mencho was killed by security forces on Feb 22, prompting blockades, arson and a prison break in Puerto Vallarta.
- Mexico ranks third on the Global Organized Crime Index out of 193 countries.
- Since 2006 authorities have focused on arresting or killing cartel leaders, producing high profile captures but not dismantling organisations.
- Leader arrests and killings often produce replacements and violent turf wars, as after El Chapo's 2016 arrest.
- Impunity remains extreme, with estimates near 95% and only 16% of criminal investigations resolved in 2022.
- High youth unemployment, widespread informal work and poverty fuel cartel recruitment while government plans for apprenticeships and expanded university places face limits amid 1% GDP growth.